Banks Put on Notice to Stop Lending to Okowa
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, OON on Saturday, urged Nigerian Banks to stop further lending of money to Delta State governor and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.
Gbagi, an industrialist and investor put the banks on notice during a town hall meeting and interactive session with Christians from various churches, clergymen and leader who gathered on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Obiaruku, headquarter of Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.
Recall that about seven months ago, the State Governor, barely one year to the end of the tenure of the current administration in the state obtained an N150b loan, part of which he (Okowa) said was meant for the construction of an international conference centre in Asaba, as well as other infrastructural projects in the State, using the State’s assets, especially the State’s oil facilities as collateral.
Gbagi's message to the Banks was an outright vote of no confidence that Okowa’s administration has increased the domestic debt of the State.
He stressed that the State cannot repay all the loans taken so far because there are no industries, companies or productivity to facilitate repayment of the billions borrowed so far.
He said; "There is so much escalation of corruption, reckless, borrowing that has worsened the socio-economic fortunes of the State."
Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi also reacted to a rumour that governor Okowa has opened and commissioned a bank at Maryam Babangida Way, Asaba and in his usual betrayal manner, he has severed dealing with Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank which he had in uses previously.
The SDP candidate urged Christians not to sit on the fence but take steps to mobilize fellow worshipers to fully participate in the process that would produce credible and competent leaders that would pilot the affairs of the State in 2023.
Earlier, the Director General of the Gbagi campaign council, Prof. Jiff Mokobia in his opening address urged voters to finally retire the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) permanently from Delta State come 2023.
Prof. Mokobia said; "Delta State has become a government of dynasty, Our people cannot remain as 'Mumu' forever.
"What we want now is a man who can change the narratives".
The DG, members of the Christian Association of Nigeria who enjoyed their interactive session with Gbagi at the meeting include; the CAN Chairman, Ndokwa East, Snr. Apostle Uche Onwunalu, Rev Anthony Adilike, CAN Chairman Nkokwa West, Prophet Kenneth Almona, God's Church of Nigeria and a host of others.
The Governorship candidate, Chief Barr. Kenneth Gbagi during his interactive session, urged Deltans, particularly Christians to take their destinies into their hands, roll their sleeves and mobilize their people to participate in the forthcoming elections.
Gbagi further alerted Deltans to what he described as grave dangers and looming economic woes if urgent measures are not taken to elect credible leaders.
He Gbagi further said; "Children of God must rise and save the state from destructive leaders, what is left for us will be destroyed if they fail to get it right,
"What this government have done is to make people poorer, when a man has nothing to offer he will continue to lie, I went to join hands with pastors so that Delta State could be liberated.
"I will give Nkokwa nation free electricity, if you have full electricity, in Nkokwa, industries will spring up.
"The Destiny of Delta State is in your hands, the votes are in the hands of you Christians and followers.
The interactive session which featured questions and answers had Rev Sam Golley of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Chief Dr Alex an Oshilim educationist Rev. Chukubogum Grant Agwatulu, Mrs Azuju Grace Usher in Christ exulted church in Obiaruku.
