Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has launched a scathing attack on former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, accusing him of attempting to maintain a stranglehold on Delta State politics even after leaving office.
Ochei alleged that Okowa, who benefited immensely from the support of political allies and stakeholders during his rise to power, has now turned against many of those who contributed to his success while seeking to dominate the administration of his successor.
Speaking on the growing political tension within the state, Ochei lamented what he described as the former governor’s overbearing influence and unwillingness to allow the current administration the freedom to govern independently.
“People made Okowa governor, he chased all of them away and now he made somebody governor, he doesn’t want the person to breathe. Everything is still about him. That’s not supposed to be so,” Ochei declared.
The former Speaker maintained that democracy thrives when leaders respect institutions and allow elected officials to exercise their constitutional responsibilities without undue interference from political godfathers.
According to him, the continued perception that Delta State remains under the control of a former governor is unhealthy for democratic growth and could undermine the confidence of citizens in the state’s leadership.
Ochei further argued that no individual should place personal political interests above the collective aspirations of the people, stressing that public office holders must be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation or external control.
Political observers believe Ochei’s remarks may further deepen the ongoing debate over political succession and power dynamics within Delta State, where concerns have continued to mount over the influence of former office holders on serving government officials.
His comments have already sparked discussions across political circles, with many interpreting the statement as a direct challenge to Okowa’s perceived dominance in the affairs of the state.
As political alignments ahead of future elections begin to take shape, analysts say the unfolding exchanges could redefine the balance of power within Delta’s political landscape.