By Iteveh Ekpokpobe
Tussle for the heart of Delta State government has kicked off in earnest ahead of the 2023 governorship election.
The Union Nigeria has stumbled on details of an alliance between former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, Senator James Manager and Chief of Staff to Governor Okowa, Chief David Edevbie ahead of the 2023 Governorship election.
A source in Ibori’s political camp disclosed that the plan which was made at the weekend, is for Chief David Edevbie to get the governorship ticket while Senator James Manager becomes the deputy.
According to the source, this way, Ibori would continue to control the reins of the state government.
Nevertheless, the source frowned at the arrangement of Manager becoming a deputy governor, stating that it would be oppressive since an Ijaw man was incumbent Deputy Governor of Delta State.
The source claimed that the arrangement was for both Manager and Edevbie to run for the primary’s with intent to step down and harmonize structures when the chips are down.
He added that the arrangement was also to give room for former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is a cousin to Ibori, to take over from James Manager at the Senate Chambers.
Meanwhile, a group, Ijaw Political Renaissance Project (IPORPRO), under the leadership of Comrade Kpakiama Golden, has condemned the alliance which he described as unholy.
The group accused Senator Manager of sabotage which they said was his ‘usual stock in trade’.
In a statement, the group said, “Manager has always been a sell out in every Ijaw struggle. We are not surprised. He has always contested and won elections on the grounds of negotiations. We can’t continue to accept this from him.”
“Manager cannot deceive the Ijaw’s this time. He should not bother to contest. Ijaws are wiser now.” The statement read.
All efforts to reach James Ibori, Senator James Manager and David Edevbie, proved abortive as neither text messages sent to their phones were not responded to nor their phone calls answered.
