The Delta State Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum said the current persecution of a former Governor of the state, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, was fueled by the fear of those afraid of his rising profile.
Speaking during a solidarity visit to the former governor at his Asaba residence, the group’s spokesman, Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, said that recourse to petitions and media trials against Okowa was because of the politics of 2027.
Umuakpor commended the former governor for his achievements during his tenure and pledged that the group would remain loyal and committed to his leadership.
He said: “Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders have come here in solidarity with you because of what we recently read in the news that was widely circulated by the opposition.
“We want to state categorically that the opposition is afraid of your towering personality across the nation, and they are only afraid of 2027. They are afraid that if they leave Okowa, the Chief Strategist, untamed, they will have problems in 2027 because of the way and manner they have mismanaged Nigeria’s economy.
“They are also worried about how they have bastardised their relationship with the North, and they are doing everything to harvest as many votes as possible by bringing down opposition figures to boost their base in the South against 2027.
“You are a big tree that has produced other trees that provide a shield to many persons; so, cutting down such a tree will be a very difficult task in Nigeria’s politics of today. We are here to tell you that we heard what happened and are here to reassure you that we remain with you through thick and thin.
“We know that what is happening is an attempt to witch-hunt you, to weaken our strength ahead of 2027. Unfortunately for them, it has bolstered our chances and we will win again in 2027, with you leading the charge. As a group, we remain committed and loyal to you because you did well in office.”
The group recalled Okowa’s outstanding efforts at changing the neglected landscape of coastal communities in the state, describing it as unparalleled.
According to Umuakpo, ‘’with what you did in the riverside areas, it will be very difficult for any governor not to consolidate on some of these gains because you have laid a very strong foundation for Delta State.
“You are our leader not only in Delta but within the South-South region, and we are making every effort to make sure that you become a national leader in this country.
“You are a moving train, and whether they like it or not, they can’t stop you, and any attempt to stop you, God will stop them.
“All you did while in office was in the best interest of the state. You built three new universities to accommodate our youths seeking admission. You built a world-class state Secretariat that now accommodates all civil servants. You constructed roads in the state through judicious use of resources.
