The Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Government House, Asaba, Chief Henry Sakpra has demised rumour that he is scheming to be deputy governorship candidate on the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023 governorship election in the state.
NewsNet investigations revealed that the rumour against the astute Udu born politician may not be unconnected to his recent alleged hobnobbing with the state deputy governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuuaro, who is strongly perceived to be eyeing the number one seat in the state come 2023 against the ‘gentleman’ agreement of the PDP family in the state.
Sakpra, who denied nursing such ambition on Friday at his country home in Ekete in Udu Local Government Area while addressing members of the Urhobo Youths Leaders Association (UYLA), stressed that he is fully in support of the rotational formula within the PDP, which favours Delta Central Senatorial District.
The Special Duties Commissioner pledged to team up with other Urhobo politicians to ensure that an Urhobo emerges governor come 2023.
Sakpra accused those peddling the rumour of working to dent his political image and smear his harmonious relationship with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
He said, “The matter is nothing but a malicious and dangerously concocted tale by moonlight to the effect that I was working to undermine the interest of the Urhobo nation in the 2023 gubernatorial polls by aligning forces with those outside Delta Central, with intention of being running mate to some gubernatorial tendencies.
“As a politician of note in Delta state and a serving member of the State Executive Council, I cannot be ignorant of the rotation arrangement in place which gravitate the position of governor to Delta Central in 2023.”
“As an illustrious Urhobo son, nothing gladdens my heart better than the opportunity for an Urhobo to yet again produce the governor of Delta state.
“These rumours are characterized by strong underlying political subterfuge, thoughtless strategies and technically unsound infantile tantrums designed to drag me on the path of infamy.
“The promoters of this propaganda against my interest are working with political war-lords from within and outside our political party to whip up sentiments against me in order to bring me down,” Hon. Sakpra stated.
The member representing Udu Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, Hon. Keston Okoro; Hon. Peter Okpikpi and former PDP chairman in the council area, Hon Sam Uwhujohwovwo were among those in attendance at the meeting.