As the campaign for the Central District Senatorial seat approaches the final stages, glimpses are beginning to emerge of what a Senator Peters Omaruaye might represent to the people of Urhobo land. In the last 10 days, Omaruaye has made several stops that provide an indication of the type of senator he would be.

One notable event was a book launch in Sapele by His Lordship Rt. Rev’d Dr. Blessing Avwenayeri Erifeta (JP) at Christ Anglican Pro-Cathedral in Sapele. In addition, Omaruaye received a warm welcome from the people of Unenurhie on February 5, with children singing and expressing joy in a manner typical of Urhobos. He also met with the Men to Boys Football Club at Army Day Secondary School Effurun on January 28, where a young man even rapped on the microphone in Omaruaye’s honour. The outpouring of support from young people is notable and suggests that the election outcome may depend on the support of this demographic.

Omaruaye also addressed the concerns of the people during rallies in various communities, including Otor-Udu, Oghior, Ohwrode, Ovwodokpkpo, Erhieuiohor, Ogbe-udu, Okolo-Urhie, Okolo-Otor, Ukpiovwini, Emadadja, Obogo, Obubu, Ugbisi, Ekorota, and Ukperheren communities. At these rallies, Omaruaye pledged to work towards rehabilitating, or reacquiring the Delta Steel Plant, which was envisioned as the foundation of industrialization in the Niger Delta, on behalf of the people of Udu and the Central District.

Chief Great Ogboru, the Delta State gubernatorial candidate for APGA, also spoke at the rallies and challenged Delta State to acquire the company on behalf of the state from its current roster of foreign investors if the federal government fails to act on the matter.

Finally, on February 15, a major flag-off of the Jubilee agenda for the campaign was held at the Ughelli Township Stadium, with Chief Great Ogboru headlining the event. By all accounts, the event was a resounding success, with strong support for Omaruaye and other APGA candidates for seats in the state assemblies, the House of Representatives, and the seat for Governor of Delta State.

Overall, it is clear that momentum is building for Omaruaye and the APGA candidates as the election approaches. With just eight days remaining, it is becoming clearer that the wind is to the backs of Omaruaye and the progressives of the Ogboru movement contesting under the APGA.

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