The news broke yesterday regarding the appointment of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, as the South-South Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The announcement was primarily disseminated by the former Governor’s followers and political enthusiasts, leading some observers to question why official channels, such as a press release from the Presidential Spokesman Mr. Bayo Onanuga, did not carry the news.
Irrespective of its source, the appointment is a significant development, as it covers the entire South-South region and is widely expected to boost Okowa’s political standing.
However, a contrasting perspective exists, one school of thought suggests the appointment did not originate from the President, but rather from a private initiative—a “pet project”—and therefore holds little relevance to his national political relevance or trajectory.
Furthermore, the appointment has drawn criticism due to the belief that the former Governor has an ongoing case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which some argue should have disqualified him.
Conversely, others view this move as a critical first step in his political rehabilitation, considering his established political career, and his position as a new member of the ruling Party APC
As his followers are elated of his appointment, many raised questions why he should be appointed despite his alleged EFCC case
Some are also asking if this is a plot to reintegrate him into mainstream political relevance, despite roles he played during the last 2023 Presidential Elections
Could this ultimately be an effort to build momentum to challenge the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and perhaps compel him to fulfill previous political agreements that brought him to power?
