Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN), has frowned at the report which attributed his withdrawal from the Delta State governorship race to fear. He said the report was completely false, lacking in truth and, therefore, objectionable.

Utuama in a statement issued in Asaba by his Press Secretary, Augustine Avwode, insisted that his withdrawal was on the grounds of principle of respect for majority decision. He noted that, consistent with the principle of majority decision, he congratulated the winner of the primaries, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, immediately after his emergence.

Prof. Utuama said: “My attention has been drawn to a publication in the Vanguard of Wednesday, December 10, page 38, which I found objectionable. I wish to state without equivocation that my withdrawal from the race was not as a result of fear, coercion or intimidation from any quarters. On the contrary, it was borne out of the principle of respect for majority decision. It is the same principle of respect for the majority that informed my congratulating the winner, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, soon after he was declared the winner of the primaries. I did not join the race for personal gains but for the interest of all Deltans.

“The party has gone beyond the primaries. A winner has emerged. Our attention now is focused on the main election. I wish to, therefore, appeal to all party faithful to remain resolute and work together for our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to retain power in the state so as to continue with its development agenda for the people.”

Prof. Utuama described Senator Okowa’s victory as well deserved and a victory for democracy. He urged Senator Okowa to embrace all members of the party, both aspirants who contested against him and delegates who voted for other aspirants, noting that the victory was for everybody because it was an intra-party affair. He also commended the peaceful and transparent nature of the exercise.

His words: “I wish to congratulate Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory at the governorship primaries of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Surely, this is victory for democracy because it is a demonstration of the spirit of freedom to choose and everybody to air his opinion. Your victory has strengthened the integrity of the political class to deepen democracy for the good of all Deltans.

“My appeal goes to Senator Okowa, to embrace all party members, aspirants and delegates. And in like manner, all aspirants should join hands with Senator Okowa so that together, we will keep our party united. There is still much to be done. The PDP family in Delta State must remain one and all hands must be on deck to ensure total victory at the February general elections,” he said.

•Photo shows Utuama.

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