DTHA: I Am Convinced Of My Vision, Mission —Akpowowo

-Says, I Have Consulted, I Am Contesting, No Retreat
-Commends Chief James Ibori For Not Endorsing Aspirants
By Daniel Dafe
A front-line aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the Delta State House of Assembly seat in Ethiope East Constituency, Okakuro Barr. Arthur Akpowowo, has said that he is convinced of his mission and vision to the legislative chambers in the state.
Speaking to Oasis Magazine (OM) during an exclusive chat, he disclosed that he has been consulting and reaching out to delegates expected to vote during the party primaries next month, saying that he is working very hard to earn their confidence.
Furthermore he said: “The responses have been very encouraging. When you decide to run based on your personal conviction, you consult and if the responses you get are positive, you move on to declare to the public that you are contesting. But, if at the point of consultations you are unsatisfied with stakeholders’ response, you can bow out; it is allowed. I have consulted, I am now contesting and there is no retreat for me.”
Responding to the question of if he stands a chance during the primaries since facts show that the party Chairman in the locality, Mr. Felix Erhimedafe, is in support of Evance Ivwurie for a second term, he said: “The Local Government Chairman is supposed to be for all, but as humans, you cannot rule out bias and preferences. In all these he must be neutral and show maturity.”
He continued: “To stretch it further, the party Chairman is one amongst equals and has just one vote like an ex-Officio member.”
Speaking about the tensed situation in the area he said: “The atmosphere is charged and electrified. All the stakeholders, party faithful and even voters desire is a free, fair, transparent and credible party primaries. Anything short of this will not be in the best interest of our great party.”
He commended Ex-Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, for not endorsing and imposing candidates as the party heads for her primaries next month.
His words: “H. E, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has spoken in clear terms as a leader to all and re-echoed the wishes and aspirations of his followers across board for a free, fair, transparent and credible party primaries devoid of imposition.
“He understands the mood of the times we are in and has decided to be on the part of the people. We all love and revere him as a man of the people.”
He urged the delegates to “be objective and resolute in choosing the right candidates that will make victory easier for the party at the general elections.”
He opined that times have changed, noting that “PDP must be trendy to keep pace with reality.”