2015: I ‘ll be the bridge in Delta politics – Idonor

By FESTUS AHON
Comrade Daniel Ovwigho Idonor, an all-round accomplished Journalist
and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Social Works And Geriatric,
has over 25 years working experience, 10 years of which was spent in
covering the activities of the Presidency in Aso Rock,the Nigerian
seat of power. Mr. Idonor was until last year, the Chairman of
theState House Press Corps, Presidential Villa, a position he
successfully occupied for 5 years. Mr. Idonor was also a Student Union
activist. He rose to the position of President of the Student Union
Government (SUG) of the University of Jos.
He was also the Secretary of the Correspondents Chapel of the
NigerianUnion of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi State Chapter. Mr. Idonor
was one time Assistant Secretary of the National Association of Niger
Delta Professionals. The Urhobo born seasoned Journalist and
Politician, in this interview with newsmen in his country home in
Ughelli, says he has all it takes to build a bridge of trust among all
interest groups in the State to promote the much needed unity to move
Delta State to the next level especially as 2015 draws close.
Excerpts:
If you become governor, what would be your focus on health and education?
(Laughs) Well, to be fair to the State Governor, His Excellency Dr
Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has put in place gooddevelopmental agenda
that are capable of taking the State on the pathof economic recovery
and industrialisation.
For instance with what his administration is doing, Delta would emerge
as the only state in Nigeria with two international airports at Asaba
and Osubi near Warri. The Warri industrial park, the Delta Beyond Oil
initiatives to mention but a few are all good developmental programmes
by the current administration. Supposing I become the Governor of
Delta State after His Excellency, Dr. Uduaghan,
Idonor
Infrastructural development
I will build on the current efforts of thegovernment, there is the
urgent need to open up the entire state in terms of infrastructural
development; make every community accessible with motorable roads and
water. This will curb rural-urban drift that has over the years
over-stretch existing infrastructures in the urban areas.
You are a green horn as far as politics isconcerned are you ready for
the murkywaters and for the skeleton in your cupboard to be exposed?
I don't agree with you that I'm a green horn in politics. To the
extent of seeking for an elective position outside my professional
bodies and student union elections, yes, I am a new comer. But don't
forget that I've contested many elections and won especially at the
level of student's union and professional bodies. As a journalist who
has reported from the peak of the seat of power, Aso Rock, to that
extent, I'm not new to politics andpoliticians.
By the grace of God, I'm opportuned to have close relations with many
leadersand I am also close to many people at the grass root. I have no
doubt that this will help me to wade through what you call murky
waters. And as for skeletons in my cupboard, I don't know what you
mean but I don't have anything to hide. My records are there for all
to see.
Nigerian politics is still money based, who are your godfathers and
financial backers and how do you intend to avoid settling political
commitments after you get into office?
The people are my backers, once they want me to serve them; I know the
means of achieving it will come from them by God's grace. I believe
that it ispossible to apply the Obama model in Nigeria where the high
and the low contribute to the overall success of thecandidate as long
as you get the acts right.
What would you say could possibly become your greatest asset and
strength in Delta Politics?
My interest and strength in Delta politics is based on the fact that I
represent the bridge between the weak and strong, the rich and the
poor,the low and mighty, the rural and urban dwellers, the organized
private sector (OPS) and public sector, the governments at both the
state and federal levels, and the masses. I also represent the bridge
between the Urhobos and the Itsekiris, Aniomas, Ijaws and Isokos. And
above all, I represent the bridge between Deltansand non Deltans.
Finally, how would you react to the recent but sudden death of Senator
Pius Ewherido?
It will take us the people of Ewhu kingdom, Ewhu axis and Ughelli
South; and indeed the entire mourning Urhobo nation a long time to
overcome the rude shock and utmost disbelief that the passage of Chief
Akpo Pius Ewherido has brought.
Ewhu and Urhobo people will forever remember "Ogogorogo" (Ewherido's
nickname), a political icon who brought to bear so much vibrancy in
politics, particularly at the Delta State House of Assembly as a
member representing Ughelli South, where he served as a Deputy Speaker
and Acting Speaker for several years. His political career blossomed
and peaked when he won the last election as Senator representing Delta
Central Senatorial District.We also remember him for his doggedness in
the well researched Corporate Manslaughter Bill, which he initiated
and presented to the National Assembly. To me, I will miss him so much
because as a young politician, I chose Chief Ewherido among three
politicians in Nigeria thatI admire so much and promised to learn from
them. In fact, we were very close but many people didn't know.
Chief Ewherido taught me in Orere Secondary School when his father was
the pioneer Principal of the school. I reconciled him with Olorogun
Ima Niboro, the former spokesman to Mr. President, Dr Goodluck
Jonathan, following a quarrel over lack of communication. After
listening to both of them separately; I discovered that a fifth
columnist had penetrated them. Perhaps, my regret is that I failed to
dosame to bring Ewherido and one or two other persons who had similar
frosty relationship, together before hisheroic exit.
Frosty relationship
Only recently my neighbour in Ughelli called me that I should thank
Ewheridofor buying a brand new car for him. As I was about calling
him, my phone rang, and when I looked at it, it was another person who
also wanted me to thank Chief Ewherido for assisting him with
something worth N3.5 million. I just pray that the great politician
had up to N5 Million in his bank account before his passage, because
he was a generous man.
On behalf Ewhu and indeed Urhobo people, I want to thank the Delta
State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan over his show of an uncommon love
and fatherly role towards the recovery of our late Senator. He alone
knows why. May his gentle soul rest with the lord, while his vision
and what he stood for rest with those of us he left behind. Adieu, My
Distinguished Senator!