The people of Abavo Kingdom in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State have taken a bold step to unite more politically.
The kingdom which converged recently at the town hall in Abavo Central, inaugurated a formidable group named “Abavo Political Forum”, a platform with which they can generally treat political issues with mutual understanding and peace.
Speaking on the aims and objectives of the forum, a respected elder of the kingdom, Chief Isioma Okonta, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Special Duties) and Secretary, Government Special Project Committee, noted that the forum was re-grouping to assist the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ika South under the leadership of Hon. Collins Bello, and as well have the Abavo people to be more relevant politically.
Speaking, Chief Okonta explained that the forum would mainly focus on the re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a second tenure for the fact that he is an indigene of Abavo Kingdom and has made tremendous impacts within the few years in office as the state governor. Speaking further, the community leader enumerated notable achievements of Governor Okowa ranging from the different aspects of developments which cut across the state. He added that the Governor is still doing more through what he described as social infrastructure to empower over 5000 widows to benefit free medical health care and monthly stipend. He said the governor also appointed over 1200 Ward Liaison officers across Delta State with monthly salaries.
“The time is now for us to reciprocate the kind gesture of His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who has done a lot for us in Abavo, Ika South and the state at large through our votes and cooperation to re-elect him for a second tenure.
“Furthermore, I proposed for this forum to organise a mega solidarity rally in honour of the Governor. After that, other political activities to sensitize voters will commence,” Chief Okonta added.
In the same vein, Chief Okonta commended the President General of Abavo Clan Union, Mr. Jonathan Agbejagwe for the successful Conference of Abavo Clan Union held recently and also appreciated the youths leader, Mr. Nelson Irabor for coordinating the youths peacefully.
On his part, the President General, Mr. Jonathan Agbejagwe, commended the conveners of the forum, Chief Isioma Okonta and Hon. Sunny Tatabuzorgwu, also appealing that all and sundry should put their personal interest behind for the good and development of the kingdom.
Chief Isioma Okonta and Mr. Jonathan Agbejagwe speeches were corroborated by a Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr. Jonathan Acha. He stressed that Abavo Kingdom is gifted with astute politicians and as such, her interest should be the driving force of the forum as the kingdom has long suffered set back because of lack of a forum such as this for them to harmonize. He said there is need for an executive to pilot the affairs of the forum, adding that elders should be made patrons for useful advice.
Subsequently upon the inauguration of the forum a 4-man interim committee was appointed which included, Chief Isioma Okonta, Hon. Sunny Tatabuzorgwu, the PG of Abavo Clan Union, Mr. Jonathan Agbejagwe, and Mr. Nelson Irabor to head the forum till the main executive will be properly constituted in the next four weeks.
Responding on behalf of the appointed committee, Hon. Sunny Tatabuzorgwu, Member, Governing Council of School of Health Technology, Ufuoma, Delta State, appreciated the forum for appointing them as the interim committee, promising that they will live up to expectation. He also noted the positive impacts of Governor Okowa, saying that his re-election come 2019 will bring more dividend of democracy to the people particularly at the grassroots.
Other notable personalities of the kingdom in attendance were Hon. Frank Aghedo, Barr. Hope Emioma, Hon. Ngozi Emioma, Hon. Mike Ekuh, Hon. S. Owere, Pa Edosoma, Mr. Amechi Onwuemerie, Chief Alhaji Yusuf Joseph Odijie, Elder Philip Osayende Elder Akumazi Jacob, Hon. Cosmos Igbenije, Elder Adaphons Onwuemerie, Mrs. Margaret Ogbegwe, Elder Agbortin, Mr. Victor Okwubor, Mr. Yoyo Festus, Mr. Odigwue and others.