2019: STRENGHTS AND WEAKNESSES OF IKA HOUSE OF REPS. ASPIRANTS

The body language of many prominent politicians from Ika Federal Constituency and those close to them, indicate that a struggle for the Green Chamber is being nursed.

flagnewsnigeria.com took a look at some of those who may likely test their political might come 2019.

Chiedu Ebie

A longtime attorney, oil and gas exploration executive now serving as commissioner of the Delta State Ministry of Basic & Secondary Education.
Hails from Ekuku Agbor in Ika south Local Government Area of Delta state.
Chiedu Ebie is reportedly one of those that are highly interested in the 2019 Ika House of Representatives race but keeping it to his chest because of the possible backlash that might follow if such ambition is unveiled now.
He is close to the hierarchy of the late Fortune Ebie and Ibori's dynasties that influence who gets what in the politics of Delta state and he is from Ika South, where the pendulum might swing.  He is considered an insider and has age on his side.

STRENGTH

Chiedu Ebie is the nephew of late Fortune Ebie, a political leader until his death recently. Chiedu is an in-law to former governor James Ibori whom he also worked for as attoney where he wielded great influence.
 Today, he is still riding on Ibori and Fortune Ebie's legacies in the political circles of the state. Young, handsome and educated. He will no doubt attract electorate from some sections of Ika Constituency. He is also involved in philanthropic activities during festive periods and some job providing ventures.
 Ebie has been very effective in the Education ministry. He has the listening ears of the Governor which will be an added advantage to his cause. He has done pretty okay in service, making him one of the tested and trusted allies of the governor and also member of his think tank. In terms of ability and capability, he will not be a pushover


WEAKNESSES.

One of the commissioner's main negatives according to his critics is that he lacked firm home base support and must work very hard to appease all members of the Ika Federal constituency some of whom have allegedly raised allegation of pomposity and abandonment against him.
Ebie is seen more as a technocrat than a politician and needs to use his present political position as Education Commissioner, to convince the political family that he can balance the mix of a result oriented technocrat and a politically improved chap when the time comes. Ebie, however, must do more in the mobilisation at the grassroots.
Ebie might have the ears of the political leaders but he is said not to be in the good books of elders and some people of Ika federal constituency who see him as proud , inaccessible and not submissive enough. Pundits believed he needs to work assiduously on his poor human relation and improve on how he relates with the people especially since he returned to Delta from Lagos, which is even still an issue with his colleagues in the Exco Fraternity in the state. He needs to build some element of acceptability across board among the people which is lacking presently.
Ebie's political maturity according to some narratives in the polity, needs to be stepped up if he is considered for the ticket. Some also believed he needs to work more on his grassroots appeal and will have to do more in the area of mobilisation of the electorate.
If he is still willing to contest, which is very likely, Ebie must be able to tell and convince the Ika people of his political clout outside the Ibori's shadows.

SEBASTINE OKOH.

He is a business executive. He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stiinos Limited. Stiinos limited is reportedly one of the leading Marketing Communication agencies with an impressive line-up of blue chip companies on their list of Clients.
Sebastine Okoh hails from Umunede in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State. He was born in Ibadan, Oyo State into the family of Chief James Okoh a retired military Officer.
 He holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration (MPA). The Ace Event man, is currently holding a political office as the  Executive Assistant ( Events and Entertainment) to governor Okowa.

STRENGTH:

He is reportedly the greatest philantropist from Ika land with finances from the private sector.
His trademark is the Ika Carnival.
 According to close sources, he is reportedly one of the foremost aspirants for the House of Representatives seat come 2019 and can be said to be highly prepared for the contest. He believes he has the wherewithal in administration, popularity and the requisite educational qualification to aspire for the Green Chamber. He also has the financial war chest to pursue his ambition if interested aspirants are required to individually fund their campaigns.
 His philanthropic activities recently has also attracted quite a number of electorate who were hitherto not in his camp. "Saba na Baba"  as he is fondly called by supporters and loyalists in the political circle. He is said to be “throwing everything into the race”.
He has reportedly done a lot to put smiles on the faces of the Ika Youths, Women and Men.  He has so much embarked on people oriented programmes, community projects and policies even with his private sector finances and is expected to pull on that if he gets the ticket. He is the sole organiser of the famous Ika Carnival which has restored social and economic activities in Ika land especially during the Yuletide, which hitherto, used to be characterized by cultism, killing and other nefarious activities.

WEAKNESSES

Sebastine Okoh is still NOT in the good books of the political leaders of the Ika Federal Constituency which is key to the decision of who finally emerges candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He needs to mend fences with some notable party stalwarts in the Ika constituency especially Ika North East, his local government area.
He has reportedly began subtle campaign for 2019 with consultations and social messages on the internet platform. Another major and pronounced odds against his candidature is the fact that he is from the Ika North East, which is presently serving the last lap of an 8-year tenure and according to the strong agitations of the Ika south people, it would be contrary to fairness, justice and equity for the seat to go Ika North East again. Although, the Ika south may likely bend for Sebastine Okoh because of his popularity and credibility in the area. What will work against him is if he decides to remain in the PDP and if Nwokolo decides to continue with his third term bid.

VICTOR ONYEMAECHI NWOKOLO

 Born in 1961, he hails from Igbodo in Ika North East Local Government Area. He is the current member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing the Ika Federal Constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He studied law in the University of Benin, and graduated in 1993. He proceeded to the Nigerian Law School in 1994, and was called to the Bar in the same year. He was an officer of the State Security Service (SSS).
 In the year 2011, Nwokolo was elected into the Federal House of Representatives and was re-elected in the year 2015. His legislative interests include procurement,  marriage and aviation laws. He is the chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Upstream.

STRENGTH

In his early 50s, Nwokolo is serving his second straight stint at the House of Representatives representing Ika Federal constituency and he is reportedly aspiring for a third term upon the expiration of his second term in 2019 in order to have opportunity of becoming the Deputy Speaker.
 He is also regarded as an acknowledged grassroots politician who cannot be waved aside in the race.
Nwokolo is from Ika North East, and the area has more electorate than Ika south which is in strong reckoning for the race.
As one who already has legislative experience, coupled with his private sector business of owning shipping line, Nwokolo is said to be a silent billionaire who can single handedly finance his campaign.
  He is conversant with the nuances of representation and also close to the powers- that- be, which controls the political machinery in the Ika land and the state.
 He can be described as tested and trusted and also seen as down -to -earth, focused, loyal and calculated considering his previous positions as a security personnel (SSS), and chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Upstream where he had really added value to his portfolios.   He is a very loyal member of the Okowa dynasty.
 Furthermore, as the incumbent, Nwokolo will have the opportunity of leveraging on the influence of national leaders and politicians who no doubt play important roles in state and local politics across the country. He is considered not “desperate” in seeking position of authority as some of the aspirants have been alleged.
If PDP makes decision to pick a candidate from Ika North East, there are strong signals that the lawmaker might be considered for a comeback.
 The Federal lawmaker has the age advantage and He has the ears of the party leadership in Ika North East as a member of the inner caucus and said to relate well with the party at all levels.

WEAKNESSES

As at today, Nwokolo has reportedly waned in grassroots appeal among the Ika south people and need to work hard to reconnect with them. His opponents also argued that he has not impacted his constituents enough since his legislative sojourn began.
Some of his critics have alleged that Nwokolo has been a rubber stamp federal legislator always saying "I concur" in the few period he will be at plenary as he is often in Delta state hobnobbing with governor Okowa.
 Nwokolo is very unfriendly with The Press for fear of being thrown off- balance with sensitive and critical issues as it affects the allegations levelled against him. Thereby giving rooms for speculations which is not honourable for a lawmaker.
Being a former SSS personnel, he should be able to distinguish between a public political office and that of Security.
 Critics say he has neither moved any motion nor sponsored any Bill and has also Not attracted any Development to his constituency. Nwokolo needs to properly distinguish between dishing out individual favours and making very solid impact being in position of authority. And the lawmaker must provide convincing answers to that.

 TONY OBUH

Tony Obuh, a retired permanent secretary during former governor Uduaghan's administration, was born on 27th January, 1957.
He hails From Oki in Ika South Local Government Area, the area which is in strong contention for the seat, if zoning will work in favour of it.
 Obuh is Soft spoken and gentle. Tony Obuh is a devout Catholic, meek and humble in nature. He once contested for the 2015 governorship race in Delta state but he didn't emerge which was against the expectations of majority of Deltans.
Tony Obuh is reportedly one of the aspirants for the seat of the Ika Federal House of Representives, come 2019.
For Tony Obuh, humanity is one big family and he has always found himself drawn to the side of those who give an indication of this orientation and commitment especially when it is channeled towards selfless services.

STRENGHTS

Right from when Obuh campaigned for gubernatorial election and gained entry into national political limelight, his political profile has been described as a “sudden rise” which underscores his impact and influence in previous portfolios.
 Very close to the Dein of Agbor kingdom and elders, Obuh should be able to influence the traditional institution which has a strong affinity with the people to his advantage.
 Though Obuh attracted the love, goodwill, support and acceptability of his people which was transferred to him after the demise of his late brother, Hon. Ben Obuh. Tony Obuh needs to leverage on the grassroots appeal he has in Ika south local government. With his recent giant stride in the Agricultural sector where he has singlehandedly embarked on large scale production of Rice, Obuh may enter history as a lawmaker with the most solid impact in the Agricultural development of his constituency and should be able to use that to his advantage.

WEAKNESSES

 The contest of the gubernatorial election with his brother Okowa,  reportedly generated bad blood and consequently caused a seemingly division.
When the chips are down, Obuh is not considered to be in the realm of Delta politicians with the requisite political capacity to pull the strings except he gets endorsement. He may also have to grapple with the party leaders in Ika North East and  should also try to cement good rapport with the party which some alleged he has frosty relationship with.
 In the era where the electorate are yearning for youthful dynamism to buttress representation, Obuh needs to convince the people that his age which appeared his albatross in this narrative is indeed a plus. He also needs to do more to rubbish the allegation that he is too conservative for the seat.
Age doesn’t seem to be on his side especially with the call for young vibrant leadership sweeping across the political landscape in the state and across the country. Furthermore, the governorship race which he lost, has been argued to also be his albatross because it didn’t afford him the opportunity to touch his people who supported him with trust and implicit confidence.
 And also, the way he played stooge to former Governor Uduaghan before the PDP gubernatorial primaries which he eventually lost, has made some of his critics to question his independent mindedness.  As a result of his last exploit in the 2015 electoral race, Obuh has further lost some grounds in popularity and acceptability and most of the issues he played up then to gain sympathy has become his albatross. Ever since what some of his antagonists described as his electoral disgrace in 2015, it has become difficult for him to reincarnate that solid performance and he needs to seriously work on that.
 Although Eworor (as he was fondly called) has been quiet for a while, his political network is not only intact but vibrant across the state. Which he established during his gubernatorial sojourn.


PETERSON

Donald Onyeibe also known as Donald Peterson, hails from Agbor Obi, in Ika South Local Government Area. He is a business executive, though an Economist by qualification, he is said to be into Road construction and the C.E.O of Richfield Group. He is based in the Northern part of the Country and has never held any political office. He is obviously one of the foremost seekers for the seat come 2019

STRENGHT

Critics say he is a self acclaimed billionaire, which if true , can give him an edge during his electioneering campaigns.
Sources say he is one of the very “eligibles who can become a surprise joker for the race” especially coming from Ika south,  with some level of humility.
According to close sources, he believes he has the wherewithal in both administrative experience and the requisite educational qualification to aspire for the seat.  He also has the financial war chest to pursue his ambition if interested aspirants are required to individually fund their campaigns.

WEAKNESSES       

Donald Peterson has not really been tested in the politics and needs to do more of grassroots politicking. He is also considered more of a businessman that lacks the needed political experience.  He needs to be more on ground to build his political base.
Donald needs to work more on his grassroots appeal and strike a greater bond with leaders and elders in the Ika Federal constituency and must jettison the habit of coming home only during election and festive periods.
Donald's political maturity according to some narratives in the polity, needs to be stepped up if he is considered for the ticket. Some also believed he needs to work more on his grassroots appeal and will have to do more in the area of mobilisation of the electorate.
 Donald is not yet in the categories of those that can deliver his area en bloc and need to mend fences with some notable party stalwarts in the constituency. According to critics, If he succeeds in getting the ticket, he must “rebrand” to be able to change the narratives of Selfishness, bourgeoisies, lavishness and self acclaimed opulence that have woven around him and needs to work even harder to further convince the people that he is not, selfish and greedy as some of the opponents alleged.

MARTINS OKONTA

Martins Okonta, former Delta House of Assembly member and Speaker,  is also among those who have been in the limelight of politicking in the state and presently a legislative aide of governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Strengths

Martins Okonta,  From Abavo in Ika south Local Government Area, he is reportedly one of the foremost seekers for the House of representatives seat come 2019 and can be said to be highly prepared for the contest. His loyalists have commenced subtle campaigns especially on the social media platforms. According to close sources, he believes he has the wherewithal in both legislative experience and the requisite educational qualification to aspire for the post. He also has the financial war chest to pursue his ambition if interested aspirants are required to individually fund their campaigns.
Martins Okonta is said to have betrayed his former boss Dr. Cairo Ojougboh whom allegedly brought him into political limelight. He is now working for Okowa as Special Adviser, Ojougboh's arch adversary. He can leverage on that to influence the leadership of the party to look his direction.

Weaknesses

Okonta according to sources need to work more on his local appeal which a source described as “local challenge” and try to be diplomatic when expressing views on issues he feels very strongly about.
needs to work more on his grassroots appeal and strike a greater bond with leaders and youths in the Ika Federal constituency.
 his obstacles this time around has included the issue of integrity.
Martins Okonta according to critics, has betrayed majority of people he worked with. Critics say while he was with Ojougboh, he made mockery of Okowa's dentistry which Okowa has not forgotten the embarrassment till now.
If he succeeds in getting the ticket, the former lawmaker must “rebrand” to be able to change the narratives of betrayer and low self esteem, his critics have woven around him and needs to work even harder to further convince the people that he is not , a betrayer as opponents have alleged.

SAM OBI

Sam Obi, a former Delta House of Assembly member, speaker and interim governor of Delta state during Uduaghans travails for three months.
Sam Obi is reportedly one of the aspirants for the Ika House of Representatives Seat come 2019.

STRENGTH
According to close sources, he believes he has the wherewithal in both legislative experience and the requisite educational qualification to aspire for the post. He also has the financial war chest to pursue his ambition if interested aspirants are required to individually fund their campaigns.

WEAKNESS
Critics say Prince Sam Obi, has lost political relevance in Delta state due to his self-centeredness, greed and highhandedness. According to close sources, Obi is not in the good book of the power that be in Delta state due to his attitude of always trying to pull others down. Also, In this era where the electorate are yearning for youthful dynamism to buttress representation, Obi needs to convince the Ika people that his age which also appeared his albatross in this narrative, is indeed a plus. He also needs to do more to rubbish the allegation that he is too highhanded and untrustworthy. He needs to work very hard to regain the trust of the electorate and the powers that be, in Delta politics.

2019 IS AROUND THE CORNER. WHO WILL  THE CAP FIT?