Posted by BUCHY ENYINNAYA, Asaba on
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected in Asaba, the Delta state capital as part of the sensitization and mobilization campaign for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-south and South-east geo-political zones for support ahead of the planned national convention of the party.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected in Asaba, the Delta state capital as part of the sensitization and mobilization campaign for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-south and South-east geo-political zones for support ahead of the planned national convention of the party.
With the position of the national chairman of the party zoned to the South-east, there are indications that the former number one citizen will, during his visit, mobilize support for former Ebonyi State governor, Dr Sam Egwu, who, according to observers is his political son.
Though the former number one citizen has come under the attack by some Northern politicians, particularly the Integrity Group at the National Assembly over the party's controversial Board of Trustees (BOT) chairmanship position.
Presently, the position of national chairman of the party has been in serious contention as prominent politicians from the South-East geopolitical zone, including former senate president, Anyim Pius Anyim, Chief Ajaa
Nwachukwu, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu, all in the running for the exalted position.
As at the time of filing this report, efforts were being made by chieftains of the party in Delta and neighbouring states to meet the ex-president at the Benin Airport and come back to Asaba, to give him a arousing welcome. This Saturday Sun gathered, would be followed by a crucial night parley with chieftains of the party in the state and neighbouring states from the south-east.
Right now, it seems uncertain how far the people would queue behind the former president and his choice, given the grievances the people have over an unexecuted programmers and projects in the zone during the past administration of the Egba chief. A chieftain of the party who craved anonymity told Saturday Sun that 'the South east area are reportedly aggrieved with the Obasanjo eight years as most of the promises to the zone were not fulfilled in spite of the maximum support given to the ex-president during his campaign and election that saw him to power."
Though Obasanjo's visit to Delta state is coming barely two days after the embattled former state governor, Chief James Ibori returned to his Oghara town in the Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state after his incarceration by the economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Kaduna prisons, there are grand plans according to sources close to the office of the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to give the former president a rousing welcome. Plans are being made to host him at the exclusive Grand Hotel and Convention Centre, Asaba.