“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3 KJV).
The above rhetorical question as contained in the holy writ, the Bible book of Amos chapter 3 verse 3, emphasizes that agreement is necessary for any kind of partnership or fellowship, whether it be human relationships or spiritual communion with God.
It suggests that without a shared purpose and understanding, people cannot walk together in unity and harmony.
And that was it. The event of Monday, April 28, 2025 in Asaba, the Delta State capital where stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) including the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa handed over the State’s PDP structure to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision according to Senator Okowa was in the best interest of the State and its people aimed at ensuring that the State which had been in the opposition for over a decade gets connected with the federal government and benefit from the resources and goodwill available in Abuja.
He stated, “As I did tell people that day (when I defected), it was not about me; it was not about the governor, but about the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja.
“That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor — there was a need to connect to it.
“I was governor for eight years; I was in opposition. I did my best, but we lost a lot, and I did not believe that the governor needed to stay working very hard without the needed support. We are very supportive of Governor Sheriff because he’s doing a lot, but as the governor is doing a lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power, resources, and goodwill in Abuja. When we sat down after stakeholders’ meetings, we thought it was necessary to make this move.”
He described the decision as “bold, strategic, patriotic, and well-intentioned.”
He urged party members to unite and work together, saying the defection would strengthen the APC in Delta.
“We must defend our state. Our state stands far beyond us, and I believe that this decision is in the best interest of all. It is time for us to embrace each other — our brothers and sisters who were already in the APC and those of us that have come into the family. We need to embrace each other and work with oneness of heart.
“It is time for us to stand together in great support for Mr President and Mr Governor, because together we can truly dominate the politics in Delta State. I believe there will be no other party, with this move that we have made.”
Thinking in same direction like Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Emomotimi Guwor who understandably has joined the defection train, is optimistic that the defection would help to cement legislative ties with some APC State legislatures.
Specifically, Rt. Hon. Guwor is upbeat that the State’s Movement from the PDP to the Ruling APC would, particularly cement inter-state legislative ties between Delta and Lagos State House of Assembly which according to him,would help to scale up growth and development between both states and their citizens.
Sharing similar view with his Lagos State counterpart, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa when he hosted the latter in his official residence in Asaba shortly after the defection ceremony in Asaba, the Delta State capital, both Speakers of both State legislatures, said that both states would continue to collaborate for national development.
Guwor and Obasa spoke when they met at the private residence of the Speaker, Delta State, immediately after the formal ceremony that heralded the movement of the Governor of the State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire PDP structure in Delta State to APC.
Appreciating the Lagos Speaker for the visit, Rt Hon Guwor said both states have great potentials for growth.
He noted that effective legislative cooperation would further promote good governance in both states and improve the wellbeing of the people.
“Rt Hon Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, i am delighted to welcome you to Delta State and my humble abode. This visit is well appreciated as it has strengthened legislative ties of Delta and Lagos
“There are lots of potential collaborations between our Assemblies. Let’s explore areas of mutual interest and support each other’s initiatives.
“Our states share common goals. We will continue to discuss ways to foster economic growth, infrastructure development, and social progress”, Guwor assured.
The Speaker, Lagos State Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, commended the Delta Speaker for the warm reception, saying that the visit was as a result of growing friendship between them and their states.
Obasa described Delta Governor, Rt Hon Sherif Oborevwori as a personal friend, saying that his movement to APC, together with the entire PDP structure in Delta state will enhance development in the state.
The Lagos Speaker said he look forward to discussions and exploring opportunities for both states.
The visit was witnessed by the Majority Leader of the State Assembly, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, the member representing Burutu 2, Pereotu Oloye, Presidential Amnesty Coordinator, Dr Dennis Otuaro and Chief of Staff to the Speaker, Delta State Assembly, Mr ThankGod Seibi.
