‘Election Postponement Ample Opportunity for INEC to Deliver’

Delta State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa 

Omon-Julius Onabu in Warri

The Chairman of Okowa Mandate Group, Paul Bebenimibo, on Sunday said democrats in Nigeria should not despair rather they should be hopeful that the postponement of the general election in the country would give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ample time to correct all identified shortcomings in the electoral agency’s preparations for the exercise.

Bebenimibo, who made the observation in a chat with journalists on certain political development in the polity in Warri, said rather than  view the postponement as a huge setback, well-meaning Nigerians ought to hope for the best and encourage INEC to remove any irregularities in its plans.

He said against the backdrop of the reasons given by INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, for the deferment of the election in the country to March from February, it were better regarded as a “welcome development.”

Bebenimibo said: “Having carefully examined the reasons given by INEC why the elections date was shifted in the newspapers today (yesterday) I’d say it is a welcome development.

“However, we urge INEC to try as much as possible to make up the shortfall the period should be used to ensure that the permanent voter’s cards are distributed effectively to registered voters.

“The commission should also ensure that all data-reading machines are updated and INEC staff properly trained for a smooth process.”

Nevertheless, he noted that his group was fully prepared to deliver the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in the election in Delta State and urged the youths to be civil and maintain the peace before, during and after the election.
Bebenimibo assured the people that his group would continue the free medical services during all PDP campaigns across the state.

Meanwhile, the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state have pledged total support for all PDP candidates in the March election.

Political leaders from the kingdom stated this during the party’s campaign rally on Saturday at Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, led by Mr. Daniel Reyenieju, the House of Representative PDP candidate for Warri federal constituency.

While praying for the PDP candidates, Regent of the Kingdom, Chief Patani Heavens, said he would not hesitate to pray for all the party’s candidates “because I know that you all have won; we will support you.”

Responding, Chief  Godspower Gbenekama said the Gbaramatu people have vested interest in the PDP candidates as their son, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro is the running mate to Okowa.

Warri South-West council, Chairman, Mr. George Ekpemupolo, community leader, Chief Michael Jonny; Mr. Isaiah Ogah among other speakers  also expressed optimism of the party’s victory