By Eseoghene Emuke
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has threatened to sanction political office aspirants who are appointees of his administration whose “aspirations become obstructive of or distractive” to governance ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state.
He said he had mandated his Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Chief Solomon Funkekeme, to henceforth monitor the political activities of those vying for political office in 2023 especially those serving in his government.
In a statement issued on Monday by Funkekeme , Okowa cautioned politicians of the PDP family to be wary of political activities capable of distracting governance and efforts by his administration to deliver on her electioneering campaign promises to Deltans.
Disturbed by the development, Okowa said, he had place appointees with political ambition on check.
ALSO READ: How I Became Deputy Senate President – Senator Omo-Agege
“It has come to the notice of the Governor that some officials of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and in particular, some members in position of responsibility in this administration, have begun consultations on their political ambitions, especially for 2023 general elections.
“Reports indicate that some of these persons have even resorted to dropping the name of the Governor in these consultations thereby portraying him as teleguiding the emerging processes.
“This is quite unfortunate as the actions of these persons could cause stampede and needless tension in the political space.”
Funkekeme, while stressing that Governor Okowa was not against the political ambition of any politician, it is however, too early as the development was creating needless tension in the political space and governance in the state.
“While His Excellency, the Governor, is not averse to anyone pursuing an ambition, it becomes out of place when such actions are commencing barely nine (9) months into the second term of his administration.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: APC Governors’ Forum Blames Oshiomhole For Party Crisis
“Such premature politicking is capable of undermining the unity of purpose of this administration and distracting it from the set vision of bequeathing a Stronger Delta to the people of Delta State.
“In view of the foregoing, the Governor has directed that members of Government, who are engaged in these actions under reference, should exercise caution.
“They should ensure that their conduct does not interfere with their official responsibilities in a manner that can weaken governance.
“Consequently, I am to state that appropriate sanctions await anyone whose aspirations become obstructive of or distractive to Government.
“In this connection, the Office of the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor has been mandated to monitor the activities of all officials of the present administration to ensure compliance with the Governor’s directive.”
