ETHIOPE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY 2019: CASTING VOTES FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

As 2019 approaches, I want to use this medium to call on every teeming supporter, delegate and leader of our great party, the people's Democratic Party (PDP), to ensure that the most important criterion for electing party flag bearers be on the basis of proven competence. The party shouldn't be turned into a currency market where the one who shakes his bags of shekel the loudest gets the most attention. The attention on the candidates should be on the excitement of what they can do, rather than how much they can give.

Ideally, in a just world where trust is measured on belief, the many reasons to believe that Hon. Ben Igbakpa is locked and loaded with the right skill set and intention for Ethiope Federal constituency, and by extension Delta state, counts towards his credence. If his times as public servant serving in the capacity as member, Delta state House of Assembly and Commissioner for Transport is a litmus test to judge his innovativeness, Hon. Igbakpa surely have passed with a remarkable rating, cementing his ingeniousness as one of the most outstanding politicians of this time and age. His phenomenal and uncustomary acts of making the lives of everyone he's ever come in contact with is still being felt, even while he currently stands aside the terraces of politics.

The people of Ethiope West would forever be grateful for all the structural developments and massive growth in human capacity in his short spell as member of Delta State House of Assembly. This high-level acquaintance with the people of Ethiope West is what he intends to extend to his Eastern kinsmen, by amalgamating their expectations and desires for sustainable progress. As a member of the state legislature, he initiated and completed constituency offices in the three kingdoms in Ethiope West local government, so he could reach out to his people at all times to dialogue and participate in the governance process, He also bankrolled empowerment programms, skill acquisition programs that produced skilled people in welding and fabrication, fashion design, hair making and barbing, computer appreciation, and all areas of the informal sector.

Politics aside, he is also a freehearted, selfless and charitable person. Everywhere he goes, consulting with key stakeholders, his thoughts have never wandered from his motivations - the people and how to make them better versions of themselves, delivering to them what they truly deserve. Igbakpa really loves Ethiope and his love is reflected in his plans to take Ethiope to the pinnacle of modern federal constituencies. He has constantly said he would never dictate to his constituents, rather he would integrate them in the policymaking process by valuing their thoughts and heeding their demands.

It is normal in periods of political campaigns that aspirants will solicit for support but the esteemed leaders of the PDP should always consider to throw their weight behind the aspirants who represent greater good for the absolute majority. Political parties exist to serve the duties of the people. And on that conscientious note of obligation, the people of Ethiope readily trust that the stakeholders of the PDP would do what is right and just. The people want a representative who is renowned for his accountability, and believe that he would always be accountable to them, whether or not he wins because for Igbakpa, his undeniable love for the people of Ethiope is not subject to his occupation of a political office.

Debunk rumour that our dear Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has endorsed any aspirant because he is a father to all and he has made it known on several occasions that there must be free and fair primaries for all aspirants.

I know Igbakpa will meet up to the yearning and aspirations of Ethiope Federal constituency by delivering the dividends of democracy.

So, again, I appeal to every Ethiopian and leaders of the PDP not to sell their conscience for money neither be swayed with hollow talks of emptied assurance, but rather go for the one who guaranties with the intended poshness of a groundbreaker.

Thanks and God bless you all.

- Comrade Rukky Samuel