2023 election: Details emerge as Tinubu meets Niger Delta leaders, promises region's development
- Ahead of the 2023 general election, APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit Delta state for the second time for high-profile engagements
- Tinubu will reportedly meet with High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, on Friday, November 25 and other leaders of ex-militants
- The APC flagbearer is also expected to pay homage to the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba
Delta state - All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asíwájú Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday in Oporoza, Gbaramotu Kingdom, promised to engage in regular consultations with Niger-Delta leaders to facilitate the formulation of policies and initiatives that will enhance the region's development.
In a statement issued and sent to Legit.ng by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, Tinubu spoke in the presence of a full complement of traditional rulers from the kingdom led by the Pere of Gbaramotu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oboro Gbaraun II.
Source: Facebook
At the meeting, the APC presidential candidate bagged the second traditional title in two days- the 'Iyelawei' of Gbaramotu- meaning the torch bearer of the kingdom.
Receiving Asiwaju Tinubu in his palace, the Pere of Gbaramotu showered praises on the APC candidate, while praying for his success in the presidential election.
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The traditional ruler urged Tinubu, if elected, to ensure the establishment of a deep sea port in Gbaramotu, an industrial park in Ogidigben and good roads and bridges leading into the kingdom.
In his response, Asíwájú Tinubu promised to work to speed up the development of the region, saying he would engage in regular consultations with the leaders to emplace initiatives and projects that would help the region.
Tinubu to visit Oporoza in Delta
"I'm one of you. My wife is a daughter of the Niger Delta. Your in-law is also your son. No be so?', the APC presidential candidate asked in pidgin English to which the mammoth crowd yelled "Na so."
He said he was aware the Warri- Escravos/Gbaramotu road had been awarded, pledging to ensure the completion of the road by getting the contractor involved to deliver on the project.
He also said if elected, the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Niger Delta Development Commission will serve the full purpose for which they were established.
The APC candidate said:
"The man standing before you will implement whatever he promised. You need honesty, you need the commitment to perform. I embody both.
"I know the road and I will carry the Niger Delta people along. We will consult your leaders for the development of Gbaramotu Kingdom and other associated communities."
Tinubu was accompanied to the kingdom by the Deputy Senate President and APC governorship candidate in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Governors Abdullahi Ganduje and Mai Mala Buni of Kano and Yobe states, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources Timiprey Sylva, Minister of State, Labour Festus Keyamo and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Dimeji Bankole.
Others on the entourage included former Governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, former Minister of State, Niger Delta, Elder Orubebe, the APC chairman in Delta State, Elder Sobotie and a party chieftain in the state, Ayiri Emami.
On arrival at the palace of Oboro, Tinubu and his entourage were treated to an exchange of pleasantries, rooted in customs and tradition.
The APC candidate and his team were presented with kola nuts in demonstration of the love and hospitality of the people.
As Tinubu was conferred with a traditional title, others in his entourage also received various titles.
Omo-Agege said he accompanied to the palace the candidate who would make a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta because "he is progress and development-oriented.
Omo-Agege said:
"He knows what to do because he had done it before. He is our hope to change the fortunes of the region."
2023 election: Ex-militant leader endorses Tinubu
In a related development, Asari Dokubo, a former leader of the Niger Delta militant and a chieftain in the region, has said he is backing Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking on Channels Television on Friday morning, November 25, Dokubo said the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has never handled any executive post before and can't be regarded as an experienced politician.
Dokubo stated that Atiku is far behind the likes of Bola Tinubu of the APC, Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and their counterpart in the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Source: Legit.ng
