By Austin Ogwuda
A sage was once said:
“The history of the world is full of men who rose to leadership by sheer force of self-confidence, bravery and tenacity”
MAHATMA GANDHI (1869-1948)
This legendary quote aptly describes the secret behind Ngozi Okolie’s victory, that broke the jinx
ASABA was agog on Sunday this week when the Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency of Delta State in the Federal House of the Representatives held a reception in celebration of his recent inauguration.
Venue of the reception was filled to capacity with overflow as dignitaries from all walks of life gathered to celebrate with him for the great feat achieved.
That great feat was recorded on the 25th of February this year when resilience and political sagacity finally paid off.
Sincerely speaking, the man he crushed is not a small fry as he is also a dogged politician, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, Minority Leader in the Federal House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly.
But the jinx was broken on that day as the Asaba-born grassroot politician, Ngozi Okolie who contested under the platform of Labour Party LP emerged winner, thus becoming the first person from Oshimili South local government of Delta State to clinch that position.
Result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC showed that he (Ngozi Okolie)scored 53, 879 votes as against 33, 466 secured by Ndudi Elumelu of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, described in many quarters as tsunami
But what paved way for the victory is anchored on the fact that Ngozi Okolie, according to Mahatma Gandhi rose to victory “by sheer force of self confidence, bravery and tenacity”.
He has been in the political scene for long, aspiring, getting bruised but refused to quit.
Apart from doggedness, Ngozi Okolie is a thorough- bred grassroot politician.
And that was the magic wand.
That great attribute of being a man of the people showed glaringly during the reception preceded by a Thanksgiving service.
Both the church service were jam-packed. What shocked this reporter is the mixed multitude that graced the occasion.
Labour Party members came in their numbers for their own, some members of PDP, APC and other party members were there.
The peasants were there
The traditional rulers and chiefs regally adorned were there.
The civil servants were there
The Hausa community turned out in large number among numerous other guests.
In a chat with The Town Hall, Okolie said, “my main concern is to offer my people better and robust representation.
“This mandate which came after many years of political adventure I will not joke with. I promise and assure my people who have given me this mandate that I will not disappoint them”.
Various dancing and cultural troupes spiced the reception.
Since 1999, the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency of Delta State has been represented only by politicians from the Aniocha axis starting from Prince Ned Nwoko (Aniocha North), Hon Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor (Aniocha South) and Hon Ndudi Elumelu (Aniocha North).
Ends
