Ahead of the 2023 governorship election in Delta State, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, on Monday said Urhobo people have to be more conscious and strategic.
The lawmaker made the assertion during a lecture he delivered at the 90th anniversary of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU Worldwide held at the Urhobo house in Uvwiamuge-Agbarho Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
He spoke on the topic; “The challenges and prospects of Urhobo Progress Union in contemporary times”.
Sen. Omo-Agege noted that there has been considerable apprehension over attempts to short-change Delta Central Senatorial District in the rotation of the governorship position in 2023.
He said, “The strong opposition of the UPU to this surreptitious and dangerous move to manipulate the political process in the State against Urhobo political interest is commendable.
“I sincerely applaud Urhobo Progress Union(UPU) Worldwide for insisting that it is the turn of Delta Central Senatorial District to produce the next Governor of Delta State.
“I am also pleased that UPU emphasized the need for the Ijaw nation to support the 2023 gubernatorial quest of the Urhobo Nation.
“Also worthy of note is UPU appeal to political parties in the State to sustain the rotational arraignment of the State’s governorship position based on Senatorial districts. They have spoken the mind of all Urhobo irrespective of political platforms.
“My dear Urhobo people, I am hoping for a change, a change in our view of each other and our community. We need to emulate the good examples and legacies of the heroes of the Urhobo Nation and realize that we are one people. That Urhobo interest is far greater than our individual interest and political alliance. We can come together as one big Urhobo family to defend Urhobo interest and still pursue our individual dreams.”
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, commended the leadership of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, for their patriotism, commitment, and dedication to the course of the Urhobo Nation.
He also urged them to continue to build relationships with other ethnic groups in the state and Nigeria at large.
Earlier, the President-General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU Worldwide, Olorogun(Dr.) Moses Taiga JP welcomed all Urhobo indigenes and guests to the event.
