Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State governor, has barred Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, especially political appointees, from constituting consultation groups ahead the 2023 general elections.
He warned that such early consultations could cause distraction in governance and polarisation among the State Executive Council (SEC) members.
The governor’s advice was contained in a statement by his Senior Political Adviser, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon, on Monday in Asaba.
According to the statement, such early politicking would be hasty, premature and capable of undermining the administration’s unity of purpose.
It recalled that Governor Okowa had earlier warned members of his government to exercise restraint in pushing matters concerning 2023, even as he observed that some top government officials, particularly SEC members, had continued to disregard the directive.
According to the statement, the officials had been accompanying their colleagues on consultations in furtherance of their 2023 ambitions.
It said such action was a distraction and totally unacceptable, as it had been dividing the SEC members.
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It stressed that Okowa had directed that members of his government had been forbidden from accompanying anyone with political ambition for consultations henceforth, as punitive measures would await defaulters.
Part of the statement read: “Sequel to my earlier press release on ‘Political Activities Ahead of 2023 – A Call for Caution – wherein it was clearly noticed that barely nine months into the second term of this administration that:
“Some members in position of responsibility in this administration have begun consultations on their political ambition for 2023 general elections.
“Such early politicking is hasty, premature and is capable of undermining the unity of purpose of this administration.
“Following from the above, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has cautioned members of government to exercise restraint.
“Consequently, the governor has prohibited forthwith, senior officials of government from accompanying anyone with political ambition on any consultations till further notice.”
