By Austin Ogwuda
…. unfortunately, Ojougboh was compiling the list before his sudden death
A former member of the Federal House of Representatives, who represented the Ika Federal Constituency (2003–2007) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Cairo Ojougboh was about sending five names from his political family to the governor for empowerment before he passed.
The request to submit the five names for empowerment either for appointment or contract patronage was at the instance of the Delta State governor Sheriff Oborevwori who was in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at that time.
This was disclosed when the Chairman, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Political Family, Hon. Isaac Ulebor led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Chief Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ighoyota Amori in Asaba today (Thursday).
According to Ulebor, “We came to thank you for being a bridge and a father, always willing to listen, always accommodating.
“The delegation came to remind you of a promise made by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the late Dr. Ojougboh before his demise”.
“Before his death”, he went on, “the governor had promised to empower five persons nominated by Dr. Ojougboh. Unfortunately, he passed away while compiling the list.
We are here to appeal to you to help us remind His Excellency of this promise”.
Other members of the delegation, including Sir Michael Oruafe, also pledged the group’s full support to the Oborevwori-led administration, saying “We are here to work with you. Whatever you say is what we will do. The governor has proven beyond reasonable doubt his capacity”.
Another member of the entourage, Nelson Oghamiduku explained that the visit had been in the pipeline before political realignments (defections) took place.
“I told the group that we must come and see you because you are someone who accepts everyone, irrespective of party”.
Responding, Senator Amori commended the group for the visit and paid glowing tribute to the late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, saying, “Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has become a household name. He was very supportive of the governor during the last elections and believed strongly in his vision.
“He was a major contributor. When he takes a decision, he stands by it till the end. I would say he died in active service.
“After his death, there was no follow-up or reminder to the governor, and given His Excellency’s ever-busy schedule delivering the M.O.R.E. Agenda to Deltans, such things may understandably be overlooked”.
Amori therefore assured the delegation that he would personally remind the governor, noting that “given how deeply Dr. Ojougboh believed in Governor Oborevwori’s vision, it will not be difficult to convey your request”.
A one-minute silence was observed in honour of the late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.
Ojougboh died in February 2024 while watching the AFCON 2023 semi-final match between Nigeria and South Africa.
He reportedly collapsed as South Africa was awarded a penalty in the later stages of the game at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
That game ended in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory in favour of Nigeria, propelling the Super Eagles to the final of the AFCON 2023 against the host, Cote d’Ivoire.
Ojougboh was also a former Executive Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and a prominent, audacious politician in Delta State.
*Credit: PGS News
