Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and his Edo State counterpart, Governor Adams Oshiomhole took turn to extol the virtues of former Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State retired Brig. Samuel Ogbemudia on Saturday.

The two governors, separately, eulogized the contributions of Ogbemudia towards the development of the two states at a public lecture organized to mark the 83rd birthday anniversary of Ogbemudia in Benin.

Delta and Edo were carved out of the defunct Bendel State during the administration of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Okowa noted that every society needs a viable and strong opposition for sustainable democracy.

The governor said, “Strong opposition will consistently and responsibly expose the weakness of the ruling party and challenge it to deliver on its campaign promises.

“It is the duty of the opposition to articulate, aggregate and advance its ideology as superior to that of the ruling government and that the people’s interests are better served with them.

“That makes the opposition to keep the government on its toe and motivate it to deliver on good governance.

“Party ought to play their rightful roles in the democratisation process, while the party in government must seek to provide good governance and the enabling environment for growth and sustenance of democracy.”

Okowa urged political parties to plan for the present and future needs of the people for democracy to be sustainable in Nigeria.

The governor also urged civil leaders and elected representatives to embrace the principle of deferred gratification and long term planning that has the welfare of the people at its core.

Governor Oshiomhole, on his part, advised Dr. Ogbemudia, to retire from active politics and remain a statesman.

The governor said Ogbemudia at 83 deserved a rest as his legacies as former civilian and military governors were enough reference points.

According to Oshiomhole, there is nothing more for Ogbemudia, than be our father and continue to pray for the success of those governing the state.

He noted that the celebrator’s contributions to the development of the state in particular and the country in general had remained immeasurable as he ruled the people with passion.

Describing Ogbemudia as the founder of modern Bendel, Oshiomhole said that the collective resources of the state were doggedly managed during his tenure as head of affairs in the then mid-western state.

He called for contributions from the elder statesman to enable government function well and succeed.

The governor urged him to rise beyond petty politics and contribute to the development of the state and country in general.

Oshiomhhole, who commended the Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for his presence at the event, said that Okowa's presence was significant, adding that irrespective of party affiliation both Edo and Delta remain united. (NAN)

•Photo shows Ogbemudia