By Ogbaviroro Joseph
Posted to the Web: Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Since its creation in 1991, Delta State has remained a hotbed for Nigeria brand of democracy. Let us not forget in a hurry that the location of the state capital in Asaba generated mixed reactions from the various ethnic groups there. Deltans have come a long way since then and at any given situation, there is a kind of allure that binds all to the oneness that has helped to build this young state to an enviable height.

ISSUES AT STAKE
The state is predominantly populated by the Ibos, Urhobos, Isokos, Ijaws and Itsekiris who are grouped into Senatorial Districts namely the Delta North, Central and South.

The main issue at stake is the control of political power by these geopolitical zones and it was no surprise to political events watchers when the last PDP registration, revalidation and the subsequent congresses exercise in 2005 was conducted in a manner that portrayed subtle maneuvers by one of the senatorial districts in employing a short cut to the Government House Asaba in the party’s selection process.

One of the schools of thought had it that since the state is predominantly PDP-controlled, whichever zone has a stronghold on the party structure surely will get a smooth sail to the Government House Asaba in 2007 general election. Therefore, all sorts of political permutations were created with the intention of realizing their dreams.

Dr. Eniforo Malam Obi-led state executives council was first elected but was later sacked.
The Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, was dragged into the fray with the accusation of anti-party activities levelled at him which was later proved to be false. It was the sword that killed the Dr. Eniforo Malam—Obi led state EXCO as it was reasoned by the PDP top hierarchy at the National Secretariat that it would be fool hardly to permit his reign to stay since it was quite evident that the then state executive could not workd with the Governor who is the leader of the party in the state.

Chief Emmanuel Ogidi was a strong contender for the PDP top seat in Delta and he was unanimously endorsed to replace Eniforo Malam Obi.
Since assumption of office, Ogidi has ensured that the state party secretariat that continually wore the image of a ghost town is now beehive of activities. Scarcely no day passes without an army of visitors and party members visiting the secretariat.

In keeping with the directive of the National party secretariat Abuja, to reconcile and bring back deserting members who fled the party in the wake of the state of anarchy that once existed in the state party, Chief Emma Ogidi in his first two weeks in office embarked on tour of the three senatorial districts to consult and assure party members of his intention to create a level playing ground for all to actualize their political desires devoid of bias and godfatherism.

He further took another reassuring steps by inaugurating a sixteen member reconciliation committee headed by a highly respected army top brass, Gen. Obada who has since turned in his recommendations to the party. Since Chief Emmanuel Ogidi’s chairmanship continue to receive votes of confidence by party members, elected political class, Local Government, chapters supporters and sympathizers as well.

Just a few months ago, the state House of Assembly in a special session, passed a confidence vote on his administration of the party.
Politics generally is a special interest and thus, the Delta State PDP objective has always been to maintain the status quo already created since 1998 which is winning all major political elections into public offices in the state come 2007.

It is widely believed by political analysts that the state PDP remains unbeatable with the way things are going. The dark period which is described by party members and political opinion leaders as the era of madness is over and the coast is now clear for a smooth sail for the PDP during general election.

One of the many ideas proposed by policy makers in the National Secretariat of the party at Abuja was the order on harmonization of the party executives at all levels in the state PDP with the sole aim of accommodating divergent views

The leadership of the party led by Chief Emma Ogidi has since convened a special stakeholders meeting where modalities for the proper harmonization as directed by the National Secretariat has been exhaustively discussed by all.