The Principal Secretary to former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem, has faulted comments allegedly made by former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, describing attempts to diminish Okowa’s political legacy as misleading and inconsistent with historical facts.
Ibegbulem, in a statement titled “Response to a Purported Interview Attributed to Victor Ochei,” said he had not independently verified the authenticity of the interview but deemed it necessary to address some of the claims reportedly credited to the former Speaker.
“At the outset, it is important to emphasize that I use the word purported deliberately, as I have not independently verified the authenticity of the interview,” he stated.
The former governor’s aide said if the views expressed in the interview truly reflected Ochei’s position, then the public deserved to be presented with what he described as the historical realities surrounding the issues raised.
Reacting to Ochei’s reported claim that his political actions were motivated by opposition to political impunity rather than personal ambition, Ibegbulem recalled events leading to the 2014 political contest in Delta State.
According to him, Ochei was allegedly advised by a respected Niger Delta leader to contest for the Delta North Senatorial seat while supporting Okowa’s governorship ambition under the then ruling party.
He said Ochei declined the proposal and instead contested the governorship primary against Okowa before later leaving the party to pursue his senatorial ambition under the Accord Party.
“Ochei declined that opportunity and instead chose to contest the governorship primary election against Senator Okowa. Following the outcome of that exercise, he subsequently left the party and contested for the Senate under the Accord Party platform,” Ibegbulem stated.
He noted that Ochei eventually lost the election to the late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, winning only his local government area.
“It is therefore legitimate to ask: was that political decision motivated by the collective interest of Delta North or by personal political aspiration? The people are free to draw their own conclusions,” he added.
Ibegbulem also addressed claims that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reportedly urged Ochei not to contest against Okowa, insisting that such intervention should not be interpreted as an admission of political weakness.
Rather, he said it reflected the widespread belief that Okowa possesses the experience, network and leadership credentials required to represent Delta North effectively in the Senate.
The former governor’s aide highlighted Okowa’s career trajectory, noting that he had served as Executive Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Area, Commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, Governor of Delta State and Vice Presidential candidate.
“Senator Okowa’s public service record is one that few politicians can rival,” he said.
On allegations that Okowa was allegedly promoting family interests in elective positions, Ibegbulem dismissed the claims as inaccurate.
He specifically denied suggestions that the former governor had an in-law contesting for elective office within Delta North Senatorial District or Ika Federal Constituency.
According to him, APC House of Representatives candidate for Ika Federal Constituency, Emmanuel Osazuwa, has no blood or marital relationship with Okowa.
“There exists no blood relationship, affinity, or familial connection between Senator Okowa and either Mr. Osazuwa or his wife,” he stated.
Ibegbulem further rejected claims that Okowa alienated political associates who contributed to his rise, arguing that many of those who supported the former governor remained close to him.
He said Okowa’s continued influence across Delta State was evidence of the goodwill and loyalty he had built over the years.
The former governor’s aide also challenged critics of Okowa to subject themselves to the same standards they apply to others, noting that leadership should be assessed based on service, competence and measurable achievements.
“Ultimately, politics should be about service, competence and proven capacity. The people of Delta North are politically enlightened and capable of distinguishing between rhetoric and reality,” he said.
He maintained that as political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections intensify, the key consideration should be who possesses the experience, capacity and track record to effectively advance the interests of Delta North.
“On that question, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s record speaks eloquently for itself,” Ibegbulem concluded.
