BBC Gov. Debate: Omu Participation Scare Away Okowa, Ogboru

By Kelly Gilor

The Delta State governorship debate hosted by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Africa witnessed the absence of the sitting Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of People’s Democratic Party, Chief Great Ogboru

Without reasonable excuses, the trio of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (PDP), Great Ogboru (APC) and John Akwara (SDP) did not show up at the exciting debate which was held at the Orchid Hotel in Asaba, Delta state capital.

A reliable source confided in us that Gov. Okowa who was in Government house, Asaba, receiving a new born baby named after him, shy away when he heard Chief Brando Omu of  the All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP)candidate has arrived the venue of the debate.

Overtime Chief Omu, who has appeared in various television programmes, has spoken interestingly on how he will fix Delta in 2 years, so across board, people have been looking forward to this debate.

On his part, the APC candidate Chief Great Ogboru, who has a phobia for debates did not turn up and it was attributed by some circle, that it will not be unconnected to the challenge thrown at him weeks back by AGAP Delta State Chairman Prince Alex Oyoro to be part of any debate

Frank Esanubi (AAC), and Odiakpo Obire (PPA) were however also on ground to wet the people’s appetite and anxiety during the debate.

Most Deltans, who attended the successful debate were unhappy that some governorship candidates failed to appear, saying that such disappointment clearly shows the poor attitude of the candidates in relating and interacting with people they intended to govern.

The BBC Governorship Debate was to enable the governorship candidates sell their manifestoes to the people in Pidgin English. The debate stretch was also to see political candidates questioned on issues around economy, education, health, Infrastructure and creation of jobs in the state.

Recall that the Head of BBC West Africa, Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye, had disclosed that the debate was aimed at bringing governance closer to the people by engaging audiences, clarifying the issues as well as bridge the gap between candidates and the electorate.