By Eseoghene Emuke
The House of Representatives member-elect for Ethiope Federal Constituency in Delta State, Hon. Ben Rollands Igbakpa says his victory in the last Saturday’s Presidential/National Assembly belongs to all sons and daughters of Ethiope, pledging to render quality and purposeful representation to the people of the area.
Igbakpa, a former commissioner for Transport under the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, also disclosed that he has began moves to unite his opponents in the race and work together for the purpose of moving the area forward.
In a statement issued by him after the victory, the Reps-Elect, promised to protect and fight for the vulnerable and underprivileged persons in the constituency and thanked the people of the area for electing him to represent them.
Igbakpa, in the statement titled “This Victory Means More”, assured the people of the area of the “most befitting serviceable fashion” representation in the next four years which will better the generality of the people of the constituency.
The former commissioner who thanked erstwhile governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for their support in the process leading to his election, promised not to disappoint them.
See full statement below:
THIS VICTORY MEANS MORE
Victory speech of Hon. Ben Rollands Igbakpa (Winner, House of Representatives Election, Ethiope Federal Constituency).
We have come a long way and the people of Ethiope Federal Constituency have spoken. This victory means so much. It is a call for speedy actions, and I will respond in the most befitting serviceable fashion.
I would like to foremost appreciate our God Almighty for His steadfastness, the good people of Ethiope Federal Constituency for the incredible opportunity to be their elected member of the House of Representatives. I am cognizant of the expectations and responsibilities this victory brings. I am vigilant to the alluring prospect of my membership to the people. This charge to represent you means so much to me.
I thank my political leaders and Party Leaders, particularly H.E, Chief James Onanefe Ibori for his applicable wisdom and considerations.
Special thanks to H.E. Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, our working Governor and Barr Kingsley Esiso, PDP Chairman. Delta State, for giving us all a level playing field which started this journey.
To my Oga at the top, H.E, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the immediate past Governor of Delta State and pray that very soon, things will change to what it used to be.
I salute the leaders of every community in Ethiope Federal Constituency. I appreciate your candid audience and hospitality.
I would like to commend every opponent in the race. It has been a hard-fought contest. I praise your sportsmanship, discipline and compliance to the rules of engagement. I sincerely value the congratulatory messages, especially from you, my co-contestants. It means so much to me.
I would like to extend my regards to my nearest contestants in the race, the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I would like to absolve them of any finger-pointing especially in the most heated moments of the election. They are men of impeccable passion for the people of Ethiope Federal Constituency, and in the same demonstration, they have offered their glowing compliment of my attitude throughout the electoral process.
I will want to express reserved gratitude to my campaign team, for the commitment and allegiance in very difficult times. I am overwhelmed by your loyalty and obligation to service. I thank all who contributed their time, resources, and advice because they believed in my capacity.
I thank the volunteers in my media team. You all committed so much of your intellectualism and I am eternally grateful. Your support means so much more to me.
This victory signifies the people’s validation of the need for a quantum leap, the desire for more, and purposeful representation. This victory reflects the grande understanding of the people on rotational priorities and the acceptance of a new order.
I thank everyone who joins me in celebration. I also urge those with doubts to be open-minded and quickly gain optimism as we embark on the pursuit of a greater Ethiope Federal Constituency.
I thank everyone who joins me in celebration. I also urge those with doubts to be open-minded and quickly gain optimism as we embark on the pursuit of a greater Ethiope Federal Constituency.
I want to thank the non-indigenous people in Ethiope Federal Constituency. Who you supported or voted for will not affect our relations. I really appreciate your decent attitudes throughout the election process. You are part of the transformation and we will continue to work with you to make Ethiope the most desirable Federal Constituency to live and do business in. Your objective participation in the election processes means so much to us.
I am grateful to the formal and informal security agents who worked day and night to ensure the safety of lives and properties. Your commitment to neutrality and dousing the tension is an ancillary boost to our confidence in your roles in society. You are the reason we recorded very minimal infractions throughout the voting processes.
In subsequent months, I will begin moves for reconciliation, mend fences and offer our proposal of fellowship to erstwhile opponents. The gains of equitable representation start with the unity of purpose, transparency and inclusive governance. I will continue to have conversations with stakeholders and the people to ascertain the most collective way to achieve greater Ethiope Federal Constituency. The conversations mean well to me.
The people of Ethiope Federal Constituency will not be the same. Developing you, harnessing your skills, and creating environments for your talents to thrive is a critical priority area. I have since known that the best societies are built on the foundation of skills, talents, and knowledge. I will render exceptional support to the development of this societal lifeblood in our people. With all that we portend to achieve together, improving our qualities to a higher dimension is an important aspect of our commitment to improving the lives of our people.
I pledge to be the best Representative this Federal Constituency has ever seen. I will be the Representative who stands for the strong and protects the vulnerable in our midst. I will explore my network of contacts and activate meaningful connections that will improve our economy because there is only one Ethiope that means so much to us.
For over three years since we started subtle campaigns and the several conversations, I have had with diverse people and groups, there is a consensus on the need for improvement. We will strive to sustain the achievements of the outgoing Rep, Hon. Loveth Idisi, who is my brother and friend. I will not hesitate to contact him for his advisory input on subjects relating to our sustenance.
This victory is about recognition of ability, mutual respect, and expectations of dignified service. Now, I implore you all to join me as we confront our common challenges because work for collective gains means so much to me. Let us come together to work our socks off. We must go far, we must walk together; if we must live together in harmony, we must embrace ourselves.
Thank you!
God bless Ethiope Federal Constituency!
This victory means more!
Let us do more!
Okiemute 2019!
