BREAKING: Peace Returns To Delta SDP, As Oghotoma Sheathes Sword, Apologises To Idawene

By Daniel Dafe, Abraka

The crisis brewing in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) seems to be a thing of the past, as a chieftain of the party, Sir Owho Benson Oghotoma (SDP) has decided to sheathe his sword and support Amb. Oke Idawene as Chairman.

Recall that Oghotoma popularly called OBO, before now said that Hon. Austins Okakor was picked to replace Hon. Idawene.

The situation worsened last week with Idawene’s petition that dragged Oghotoma, others before the Department of State Security Services (DSS).

Oghotoma and others were expected to appear before the DSS this week, as Idawene alleged a case of impersonation and other offences.

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Although Oasis Magazine (OM) is not privy to how the peace was brokered between Oghotoma and Idawene, a press statement by the party chieftain attests to the fact that normalcy has returned to the party.

In a statement on Monday, titled: “THE Delta SDP IMPASSE: An Apology, without prejudice, to move SDP forward,” Oghotoma said a “vast number of SDP members in Delta State under his leadership have, over the last 18 months, taken determined actions to chart a new progressive path for the party in the State.”

Adding” Our main aim has been to reposition the party to win elections in the State.

“In strong pursuit of this goal, we have petitioned the National Secretariat of some wrongful doings in the Delta State Chapter of SDP.”

The statement continued: “We actually offended Amb. Oke Idawene and his Exco by imposing a new leader Hon Austin Oghogho Okakor as State Chairman to manage the activities of SDP in the State.”

“Our determination and actions set us on collision path with Amb. Oke Idawene, the incumbent Delta State Chairman and at some stage, we became virtually oblivious of the responsibilities of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party.

“In the last few days, however, the National Secretariat has called our attention to laid down due process and our limits within the Constitution of the party. So also, has Amb Oke Idawene called our attention to parts of our campaigns and those of our supporters which appeared or could be misconstrued as impinging on his character.

“It is therefore, in respect of the unintended affront on the constituted authority of the National Working Committee and the unintended impingement on the character of Amb Oke Idawene that I wish to make this public by willingly tendering an apology to the State Chairman, Amb. Idawene , Delta State SDP EXCO and the NWC of our great party , SDP,” the statement said.

According to the statement, “this plea is based on our genuine wish to move the Party forward in Delta State.”

“I remain loyal to SDP,” Oghotoma added.