Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has appointed the immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor and his deputy, Hon. Emmanuel Ighomena, as Special Advisers with a call on political office holders to adjust to economic realities of the country.
Speaking at the swearing-in of the special advisers monday in Asaba, Okowa observed that with the current economic situation of the country where the masses are in pains, political office holders should also adjust their style of living as “it is no longer business as usual.”
According to the governor, “At challenging times such as this, all political office holders should know that they should bear the pains; there is grumbling among the political appointees and those holding elected positions, and it shows that some of them don’t know the economic situation of the country,” the governor said, adding, “as politicians holding positions, we need to submit ourselves to some levels of pains, we have to make sacrifices, we cannot afford to live large when the people are in pains, we cannot afford to live large when the economy is in recession.”
He continued: “The allocation from the federation accounts to Delta State is less than 50 per cent of what is required to pay salaries, but, we should not despair, we should be strong and give our people hope because in a few months time, we will come out of this situation, stronger.”
The governor disclosed that appointing Uzor and Ighomena as special advisers had become necessary as Chief Emmanuel Ogidi and Kingsley Esiso resigned from their positions as special advisers to enable them contest for different positions in the party which they emerged victorious.
While congratulating the duo, the governor specifically charged them to look beyond party affairs in carrying out their duties, reiterating:“Your duty is to all Deltans and your advice will no longer be restricted to advancing the PDP but, to Deltans as a whole.”
Responding on behalf of his colleague, Uzor, assured Okowa and the people of the state of their loyalty and commitment to ensuring prosperity for all Deltans.
