Delta State is ready for a Female Governor

Now that the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP has released its timetable, wherein the primaries for governorship has been set for November 29, 2014, all pundits have begun to scrutinize the candidates and their respective antecedents.

Assuming Delta State decides to jettison godfatherism and the associated ills of imposition of candidates, then every aspirant will be examined under a microscope to determine, who is the best suited candidate to govern the State and take over from the outgoing Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON. The governor has stated that he will not choose his successor. Additionally, elder Statesman and foremost Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin K. Clark has also warned party leaders that there must be no imposition and that politics in Delta has matured beyond such practice. We will take both men at their words because they are both cognizant of the danger facing PDP, should some aggrieved candidates take their structures and resources to the opposition party.

In 2011, Delta State for the first time since return to democracy, lost over seven House of Assembly positions, one House of Representatives and a Senatorial seat to the opposition Democratic People's Party (DPP), then led by Chief Great Ogboru.

Only a fool will be arrogant enough to abrogate power to himself when we are admonished both in books of Daniel and Psalms that power belongs to God. Specifically, Psalm 75:7 is emphatic that God pulls down one and uplifts another. This is the “G” factor that wise politicians acknowledge.

There are currently over 30 candidates jostling to occupy Dennis Osadebey House in less than nine months. In Delta North, where the governorship appears headed, there are over 20 candidates in the race. The issue of zoning or equity/power shift appears to have been resolved, although there is still opposition in some quarters. Nonetheless, zoning or no zoning, some of us are agitating for the best qualified person to take over the mantle of leadership and take Delta State to a higher level.

In examining all the candidates for Delta governorship in 2015, one candidate clearly stands out from the pack. She is Dr. Mrs. Esther Uduehi, born in Obiaruku, Ukwanni Local Government Area in Delta North.. A knight of St. Gregory with her husband, she is not even asking to be considered on the basis of being from Delta North, where her paternal hometown. Nonetheless, it is worth knowing that her mother is from Orogun (Delta Central), while she grew up and spent a significant amount of time in Delta South, making her a complete and detribalized Deltan. What is also peculiar about Dr. Uduehi is her academic qualifications, professional experience and political experience. Dr. Uduehi, who holds an earned Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration, is of amazing pedigree. Once you get past her humility and eloquence, you will see a seasoned administrator and technocrat, who was a graduate teacher and Principal and eventually retired as a Permanent Secretary in the defunct Bendel State. While in the civil service, she was the Chief Executive Officer of one of the largest Local government Areas and Sole Administrator of Bendel Broadcasting Service (Radio and Television). She was a former Presidential Adviser and is now the Chairman, Governing Board, National Commission For Mass Literacy, Adult And Non-Formal Education.

Her foray into politics did not just start today. She was a returning Officer in the election that brought Alhaji Shehu SHagari to power in 1979. She herself was an aspirant for Senate representing Delta North Senatorial District. Her current governorship consultation has been ongoing for a very long time. She chose to meet community leaders and party stakeholders one on one. She has done extensive consultations where she was warmly received in all three senatorial zones and by the various ethnic groups. She has anchored her manifesto on wealth creation and governance for the common good.

If you will allow me to go spiritual again, I am fascinated by the qualities of a godly woman enumerated in Proverbs 31:10-31. I love the conclusion of the book that “Give her of the fruits of her hands, and let her owns works praise in the gates.” I believe Dr. Uduehi's qualifications speak of themselves. She has a lot of firsts as a woman, but Delta can be the first state to elect a woman as Governor in the current dispensation, especially since we have been clamoring for thirty-five (35%) women representation.

I was discussing Uduehi's candidature with someone and he commented that before a woman will steal billions, she will think about seriously. In a media chat that I was part of, Dr. Uduehi commented about how a good mother does not have a favorite child and that all Deltans will be treated equally, with developments spread across the breadth and depth of the state. This apparently alleviated the fears of one of the journalists who complained about lopsided development in the state based on where the governor was from.

Great Britain benefitted from their first Prime Minister, just like Germany, Brazil and Liberia are enjoying now with female Presidents. Delta State is a microcosm of Nigeria. Would it not be better for it to be governed by an experienced mother, with the requisite experience? Think about it.

*Rev. Akpodiete, a public affairs analyst writes from Asaba. He is also an aspirant for Udu/Ughelli North/Ughelli South Federal Constituency in Delta State. Contact him on 08138391661 or [email protected],