In what political observers are describing as a major paradigm shift in Delta North, Dr Hilary Obi Ibegbulem (PhD), popularly known as Lion, has publicly renounced calls urging him to challenge Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the Delta North senatorial seat, declaring that it is impossible for him to confront a man who nurtured him politically.
The declaration comes amid growing agitation by several support groups who had been projecting Ibegbulem as a possible challenger to the incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko, whose political standing has come under intense scrutiny following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But in a strongly worded personal statement, Ibegbulem dismissed not only the calls but also what he described as “mischievous” attempts to pitch him against Okowa.
“My attention has been drawn, with deep concern, to certain publications making the rounds on social media where some individuals are attempting to compare my popularity and political relevance with that of my boss, mentor, and father figure, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State,” he said.
“I must state clearly and without hesitation that such comparisons are not only mischievous but also profoundly hurtful and entirely unacceptable.”
Tracing his political journey, Ibegbulem gave an emotional account of more than two decades of close association with Okowa.
“For over two decades, I have walked closely with this great leader, beginning from the year 2001. I served him as his Personal Assistant for seven years, as Special Assistant when he was Secretary to the State Government for four years, as Senior Legislative Aide during his four years in the Senate, and as Principal Secretary throughout his eight years as Governor of Delta State,” he said.
He said his life and career were inseparable from Okowa’s influence.
“This is the man who believed in me when I had little, who employed me into the civil service in the year 2000 immediately after my service, and who nurtured me, guided me, and trusted me with responsibilities that shaped my life, my character, and my career. Everything I am in public service today is inseparable from his mentorship, his patience, and his confidence in me.”
Rejecting any insinuation of rivalry, Ibegbulem added:
“To now suggest that I should be compared with him in popularity or political relevance is to misunderstand both my journey and my heart. A son is not in competition with his father. A student does not measure himself against his teacher. My place has always been, and will always remain, by his side.”
He went further to issue one of his strongest political declarations yet.
“Let it be known to all that my loyalty to His Excellency is total, unwavering, and non-negotiable. I make no apologies for it. If loyalty is foolishness, then I choose to be foolishly loyal. I will never trade gratitude for ambition, nor will I exchange honour for opportunism. Betrayal and disloyalty are values I do not possess.”
Concluding, he said:
“I remain eternally grateful to my boss, my mentor, and my leader, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. I stand with him, I stand for him, and I stand by the legacy we have built together.”
