Life often mirrors a football game—full of highs and lows, victories, and defeats. For former Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, this analogy holds as he celebrates another year.
As Deltans reflect on his tenure, one phrase echoes: “A good name is better than riches.” Despite challenges, Okowa’s legacy resonates beyond political realms, touching lives across every corner of the state.
During his time in office, Okowa’s leadership was marked by inclusivity and resolve. He navigated complexities with a firm yet flexible hand, shunning political theatrics for genuine governance. His refusal to yield to sycophancy or frivolity ensured a focus on the people’s welfare above all else. Every decision bore the weight of responsibility, seeking not applause but sustainable progress.
He was bold as a goal-getter, never afraid of challenges, but one thing that scared Okowa was the colony of idiots and political backscratchers. He knew they would do anything to gain favor, even resorting to fetish practices and causing distractions to derail him. Okowa recognized these characters as not just fetish but demonic, and he resisted them, aware of their fair-weather tendencies.
In the complex landscape of Delta State politics, Okowa faced challenges from within and outside his circle. He understood the pitfalls of political opportunism and the distractions posed by it. His reluctance to be idolized by political bats underscored his commitment to genuine service over superficial adulation.
Beyond being boxed into a regional leader, Okowa’s influence spanned across Delta State, resonating with followers from diverse backgrounds. His tenure as both Senator and Governor earned him the moniker “Ekwueme”—the promise keeper—a testament to his unwavering dedication to the people’s welfare.
However, Okowa’s journey wasn’t without its share of betrayals and challenges. Like many leaders before him, he faced opposition even from those he had empowered politically.
Okowa is a door of positivity in the state; unfortunately, Okowa’s enemies are those who were nothing but made important in his eight years of administration. They were close but not as friends but moles, propelled by greed and envy. They were politicians after their stomachs, and while they were there, they aimed at pulling their benefactor down, looking for faults to exploit. This is a familiar attitude among such characters. Even Jesus Christ, despite his goodwill towards mankind, faced betrayal. Similarly, Prophet Mohammed, Confucius, Mahatma Gandhi, Julius Caesar, and many other good leaders encountered similar challenges, and Okowa was no exception.
However, Okowa reminds me of Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, leader of the Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP) in the Second Republic, who was an exponent of “politics without bitterness.” Alhaji Waziri, like Okowa, is a man of peace with a heart devoid of bitterness. He remained steadfast in his commitment to uphold the principles of good governance and unity among Delta’s diverse communities.
Despite the array of bats and moles who benefited from him, they were not satisfied. Even when Okowa was out of power, they continued to undermine him, resorting to vociferous blackmail. The lesson learned here is that our enemies are not those who criticize us or oppose us on principles but those friends and relatives who eat and drink with us. They often harbor hidden agendas.
If political leaders in the state do not show gratitude for the progress achieved under Okowa, they risk facing similar treachery at the height of their own success. Okowa is a promise keeper, demonstrated throughout his tenure. His words are his bond, reflecting his practical Christian values and fear of God.
Okowa’s approach to politics sets him apart from the norm. He operates within the bounds of constitutional authority, guided by his Christian faith, and driven by a meticulous, analytical mind. His leadership ethos emphasizes results over rhetoric, aiming for tangible improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Deltans.
Transitioning power to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was a pivotal moment for Okowa. His decision, rooted in the principle of rotational governance among Delta’s senatorial districts, aimed at sustaining unity and stability.
His determination to hand over power to Delta Central was not without criticism. Those who opposed Okowa for putting his faith in Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori questioned the rotational principle. Okowa understood those who would not succeed him but was uncertain about who would. How could someone who did not believe in the principle of rotational governorship among the three senatorial districts in the state, which had stabilized the state and sustained unity, come to succeed Okowa? Such a move would have set a dangerous precedent, potentially causing chaos in the state. This strategic decision, though criticized by some, reflects Okowa’s foresight in nurturing leadership continuity for the state’s progress.
Even beyond his tenure, Okowa remains actively involved in shaping Delta’s future. His continued support for Governor Oborevwori’s administration underscores his commitment to continuity and progress. Their collaboration represents a unified front against divisive politics, advocating instead for governance that prioritizes the common good.
It is without gainsaying that Gov. Oborevwori has sustained unity in the state, accorded Okowa his rightful place, and is completing and giving attention to all ongoing projects begun under his predecessor. There is synergy between both, and I must commend Gov. Oborevwori because the person who entrusts you with political power is like your biological parents, who want their children to surpass them. No sane person would discard the ladder that helped them climb to the top.
Okowa is a man of integrity, and so is Oborevwori. Both must collaborate for the state’s better prospects. Okowa assessed potential candidates for the position amid temptations and moments of uncertainty yet made his choice.
This decision was not easy, and many have not forgiven him for it. This is the primary reason for the attacks against him. However, Gov. Oborevwori must understand this and reject attempts to divide them. No one can hate the father and love the child. We cannot love Gov. Oborevwori and hate Okowa, who embodies the dreams, hopes, and aspirations that he represents today. We must recognize Okowa for giving us a better product.
Okowa’s politics is unprecedented, marked by its lack of bitterness, unlike the polluted politics practiced today. Okowa has assisted many, but few beneficiaries today acknowledge this. Nevertheless, he remains undeterred, bearing no grudges and continuing to uphold societal values. Though Okowa was a medical doctor before entering politics, one wonders how useful he would have been as a Catholic priest had he never ventured into politics. He would have excelled and risen higher as a living saint, possibly even becoming a cardinal influential among his peers, with the potential to become a pope.
As Delta State celebrates Okowa’s 65th birthday, it’s a time not only for accolades but also for introspection. His leadership journey, though marked by challenges, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. In a landscape often clouded by self-interest and opportunism, Okowa’s legacy of integrity and service shines bright.
Looking ahead, Delta State and its people still look to Okowa for guidance and leadership. His unwavering dedication to a better future for all remains a guiding force—a reminder that true leadership transcends personal ambition to serve the greater good.
As we wish former Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa a happy birthday, let us honor his legacy by fostering unity, embracing diversity, and aspiring to build a Delta State where prosperity and progress flourish under the stewardship of leaders like him.
