Women of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP),in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North local government area, have staged a peaceful protest against a Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Legislative Matters, for allegedly imposing an unpopular councillorship candidate on the Agbarha Ward II, against the winner of the party primaries.
The women draw from communities that makes up Agbarha-Ward 2, chanting song, “we nor go greoo we nor go gree, Oniyere we nor go gree,” and carrying play card with different inscriptions such as: “We nor go gree”; “Agbarha Ward 2 wants Kenneth Okagbare,”
‘Oniyere give us who won the primary’ ‘Gov Oborevwori restore our mandate’ ‘PDP let our vote count’ and many others, marched through major streets in Agbarha-otor and blocked major streets.
They called on the state chairman of PDP, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso and Governor Sheriff Oborovweri to urgently intervene and stop the injustice and broad day robbery being perpetrated by the Special Adviser.
According to them, The Special Adviser is allegedly using the name of the governor to replace Mr. Kenneth Okagbare, who emerged as party councillorship candidate in Agbarha ward 2 at the primary election held on May 15 the 2024.
The women alleged that Hon. Oniyere who agreed with party leaders to conduct party primaries, had another motive of imposing his cousin on the people of Agbarha Ward II.
“Why should he allow some of the One of the aspirants to waste money to consult leaders and delegates if he knew that he will was not going to subvert the will of the people?
The women held that the former Delta State House of Assembly Lawmaker of undermining party chances in future elections.
According to one of the protesters who identified herself as Mrs Tina Ogheneochuko, “Oniyere is brining shame to himself and the party leadership, he partook in the agreement to conduct primaries for the aspirants.
He partook in the voting process by inducing delegates with #50,000 each, he voted, and his sponsored candidate lost.
“He signed the primary election report that Okagbare Kenneth won the primaries, he defended the victory and the candidature at a meeting held at the home of Rt. Hon. Ovie Festus Agas’s place and Dr. Chris Oharisi’s place before now. Why the change of character?
“If nothing is done, we will boycott every election of PDP in Agbarha ward 2, we will not leave the party, but we will not participate in any election since we do not matter.
“Why use Okagbare’s name to get the councillorship slot from the Governor as the winner of the primary and then go behind to fix his cousin’s name. We all say no to this treacherous act and we will not allow him to destroy the party for us.
“This is a man who just left APC with his cousin to meet us in PDP, we will not allow anybody to destroy what we worked for over the years because of disregard for due process.
“Those of us who have remained committed to PDP are now foolish, time shall if indeed we are foolish for being loyal, na the party all of us go dey,” she added.
“We the faithful members of our great party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in ward 2, Agbarha inform you that in regard to your instructions relating to the upcoming local government elections, we met as a party on the 14 day of May, 2024 at the Ward Headquarters and unanimously agreed to conduct primaries for aa the aspirants that indicated interest
“In the said meeting, it was agreed that the primaries should be held at Agharha-Otor Town Hall by 1:00pm on the15 day of May, 2024. It was also agreed that direct primary method be adopted.
“Consequent on the above, a total number of 3 persons namely; (1) Mr. Raphesi Areghor, [2] Mr. Kenneth Okagbare and (3) Mr. Collins Arhiakpore presented themselves for the primaries.
“The primary was conducted by Mr. Ejowake Agbubi and Mr. Emmanuel Esiri and supervised by, Mr Daniel Emaye, Agbarha Federal Ward Chairman, and, Mr. Mathias Ovbioghor, Agharha State Ward 2 Chairman, Elders and Leader’s Council.
“Being a delegate election, 44 persons were accredited and 43 persons voted, and Mr. Kenneth Okaghare scored 25 votes, Mr. Collins Arhiakpore scored 14 votes while Mr. Rapheal Areghor scored 4 votes. respectively.
“Based on the above, Mr. Kenneth Okagbare, having scored the majority valid votes was declared the winner and returned unopposed to represent the people at the forthcoming local government election in July.
“The report was signed by Mr Ejovwoke Agbubi as the Returning Officer, Mr Emmanuel Esiri-Presiding Officer Hon. Daniel Emaye- Chairman, Agbarha Ward, Mr. Mathias Ovbioghor, Agharha State Ward 2 Chairman, Elders and Leader’s Council, Hon. Charles Oniyere- Leader, Agbarha Ward 2, Hon. Roland Oyibo- Leader, Agbarha Ward 2, Mrs. Roseline Ovbioghor-Chairman, Agbarha Ward 2, Barr Johnson Alibor-LGA Legal Adviser, Mr. Adayusu Onokuhefe- Secretary, Agbarha Ward 2.
“Copies of the election results were sent to Pastor Kesiena Nomuoja, PDP Chairman, Ughelli North, Chief Surv. Terry Noah Chairman, PDP Leaders & Elders Council Ughelli North, Chief Dr. Chris Oharisi, Secretary PDP Leaders & Elders Council Ughelli North, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas PDP Leader, Ughelli North, Chief Sir. Fred Majemite, PDP Leader, Ughelli North, Mr. Robinson Ighorodje Chairman, PDP Leaders & Elders Council Agbarha Ward.”
Efforts to reach out to Hon Charles Oniyere was not successful as text message sent to his Airtel mobile line was not replied as at the time of filing this report.
