As the battle for who represents Ika South at the Delta State House of Assembly heats up, Amb. Paul Alika a foremost contender for the seat under the Peoples Democratic Party, has formally made his intentions known.
He declared his intention to run for the seat before the Executives of the Party at the Local Government Party Secretariat on Saturday 30th June 2018.
Declaring his intentions amidst cheers from his supporters who accompanied him to the Party Secretariat in Agbor, he said he is optimistic that he will be the next member representing Ika South at the Delta State House of Assembly after the 2019 general elections.
In his words, “I am going to the House of Assembly on a dual mandate, first to represent the good people of Ika South, and secondly to represent the youths of Delta state. I have decided to respond by deciding to accept the clarion call to contest this election, and I know come 2019, we will have the victory.”
“Some days ago, the issue of a first timer not being able to speak at the House of Assembly came to my desk, but looking at Sen. Barr. Peter Nwaboshi as a senator, he is a first timer and also the Chairman, House Committee on NDDC which happens to be one of the juicy positions at the Senate, Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West is also a first timer, and he is the most vibrant Senator Nigeria has, so I see no reason why there should be issues with being a first timer or not.
It is all about what you can offer to the people. Without blowing my trumpet; I know God has endowed me with all levels of intellectual mobility and sagacity”
He disclosed that having consulted all wards in the Local Government, he has been given the go ahead to pursue his ambition, explaining that he is out to correct the trend of Youths fleeing to Libya and being sold into slavery, saying that he will serve as the bridge between the young and the old.
“Before I began my journey I have consulted with God, and by His grace (God), he has endorsed me”, he stated. He affirmed that the whole of ward 9 in Emuhu are fully PDP, having eradicated APC from the ward. He pledged his full support for the PDP, Hon. Collins Bello and Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
Amb. Paul Alika however appealed to the Chairman of the Party at the Local Government; Hon. Collins Bello to ensure the primaries leading to who clinches the party ticket is free and fair.
Responding, Hon. Bello expressed happiness at the Unity in ward 9 stating that they produced the highest votes at the last Local Government election. He assured Amb. Alika and his followers of a free and fair primary in August.