The Traditional Ruling Council of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has blessed the aspirations of a former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, to represent the area at the House of Representatives in 2023.
The entire Council led by the King of Ogbia, Dumaro Charles Owaba, received Iworiso-Markson, who is vying for the ticket of the Peoples Demicratic Party (PDP) for the Ogbia Federal Constituency, and his team at his Palace on Wednesday.Â
Owaba urged politicians seeking elective positions in the 2023 general elections to go about their consultations without heating up the polity.
The king described the aspirations of Iworiso-Markson as legitimate and urged him to take a cue from the late sage, Senator Melford Okilo, who according to him remained a pride to Ogbia people because of his political exploits.Â
While praying for him to have a successful outing, King Owaba who is the Obanobhan 111 of Ogbia Kingdom, commended Iworiso-Markson for recognizing the place of traditional institutions in his quest to represent Ogbia Federal Constituency.Â
The monarch who went down memory lane on how he divinely emerged as the current occupant of the ancient stool, said power comes from God alone.
He said: “You’re more matured than Okilo when he started. So, guide yourself with all what we have said here. Learn from Okilo and follow his path. He is the political pillar in Ogbia and no one can deny that. With the spirit of Okilo nothing will stop you. I wish you a happy end and I urge you to believe in God and He will grant you your heart desire”.
On his part, Iworiso-Markson explained that he decided to throw his hat into the ring after the position was zoned to his Oloibiri clan.
He said his aspiration was not built on desperation but on service to people of the area, assuring that with his contacts and network he would provide the needed representation.
He said: “The journey is a long one and I cannot embark on it without coming to seek for royal blessings. As custodian of our culture and tradition, it is only proper that I come to you to seek your royal blessing. I’m a proud son of Ogbia and I say that everywhere I go.
“I’m all out for service and with the experience, exposure and all the contacts I have, I will deploy it in the service of our people. But your blessing is very important as it will guide me in the journey ahead”.
Iworiso-Markson used the opportunity to emphasize his resolve not to blackmail any other aspirant, insisting that politics of division was undermining the growth of people.
He said: “I am for one Ogbia, I am for a united Ogbia, anything that will divide Ogbia count me out. Anything that will disrupt the peace of Ogbia, I don’t want to be part of it.
“I want to be part of those who will bring peace and development to Ogbia and that is why I am also in this race. I want to see Ogbia move beyond where we are today”.
Present at the visit was the national chairman of Ogbia brotherhood, Dr. Seibofa Azibanalaguo.