The traditional rulers of Isoko nation in Delta state have endorsed the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, for the senatorial seat of the Delta South Senatorial District.
The royal fathers, who received the former governor in two separate meetings in Ozoro and Oleh on Wednesday, said the endorsement was given on the strength of his personality and not because of any political party.
Dr Uduaghan, who is the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Delta South Senatorial seat, part of which the Isoko nation is, visited the palaces of the Ovie of Ozoro, His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbo, Ebuka 1 and the Odio-Logbo of Oleh, His Royal Majesty, Anthony Williams Onovughe Ovrawah, Omogha 1, as the first leg preceding his campaigns in Isoko land.
Speaking for traditional rulers in Isoko South in Oleh, His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ovrawah, Omogha 1, the Odio-Ologbo of Oleh, said Uduaghan has the blessings and support of the royal fathers for the Senate seat.
The Odio-Ologbo of Oleh, who spoke in Isoko Language during the visit on Wednesday, noted that “Uduaghan has the blessings and support of Isoko nation for the senatorial seat. You’re our candidate for the Senate. We picked you not because of APC but for who you are.”
In his remarks, the Ovie of Ozoro kingdom, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers in Isoko North council area of the state, said Uduaghan is loved by the traditional institution in the state, particularly by royal fathers of Isoko nation.
According to the Ozoro monarch, “the other kings are here to see the man who elevated their status. You’re somebody that fought for the traditional rulers and the sanctity of our culture.
“We (traditional rulers) in Delta State will not forget you in a hurry. You did well as a governor. You won our hearts with your issue-based speech. We pray God to grant your aspiration with resounding victory.”
Uduaghan, while speaking during the visit to the two palaces, said he was in Isoko land to solicit the support of Isoko nation for his senatorial race in next month’s National Assembly election in Delta South.
He said he was at the palaces of the Isoko monarchs to intimate them of his ambition and desire to campaign in their areas, before officially flagging off his senatorial campaign in the two local government areas of Isoko North and South.
He noted that as a Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and later governor of Delta State, he is well abreast with the role traditional rulers in ensuring peace in the state.
Uduaghan also told the monarchs that if elected as senator, he would sponsor bills and law that will give constitutional backing to the traditional institution in the country.
“As an SSG and secretary to the State Security Council and later as a governor of the state, I know the enormous role traditional rulers play in helping to ensure peace and security.
“One of the reasons why I am seeking your support to go to the Senate is that I believe that our traditional institution should have legal backing in their role in ensuring peace in the country.
“I also believe that as people from oil producing community, we should have a major stake in the ownership of the oil and gas companies in our communities. Through this, our communities will benefit more from the oil and gas that is derived from our area.
“I will also push for the cleaning of impacted communities. Based on my experience as a governor, there is such much we can do to create jobs for unemployed youths in the region”, Uduaghan said.
