Chief Joe Obuseh, mni, the Ikejiani of Igbodo and one of the foremost intelligence experts in Nigeria today, was one of the founding directors of the defunct NSO and the SSS. Since he left the service, he has served in many boards including the defunct NERFUND and the VOICE OF NIGERIA where he was Chairman for some years. He has played an active part in the mobilization of Delta North political thinking and at a time he was the Deputy Leader of Anioma National Congress, ANC. Now he is the National Leader of Ukpe Anioma, the light of the Aniomas, which has become a vocal political pressure group in Delta North.

Can you tell us about Ukpe Anioma and what it stands for?

We formed Ukpe Anioma, a political pressure group which means “the light of the Aniomas” to mobilize the grass root voters in all the LGAs of Delta North in particular. The aim is to give them political education and direction so that we can promote the principle of equity, unity and among others, also demand responsible political representation in our society. We have already achieved a lot and Ukpe Anioma is already a well-known name in the Delta North political dictionary. Our Facebook site is now a medium of choice for political dialogue in Delta State, hosting at least 26,000 visitors a day.

How would you assess the administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan?

By general acclamation in Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has performed really well in his tenure even though a lot still remains to be done as you would expect. Uduaghan has come across as a realist and a just, fair minded governor whose words can be trusted. His achievements in all sectors of the economy and social services are there for all to see. Among these, the Asaba Airport will remain as one of his greatest legacies.   His Delta without Oil policy also shows that he deeply cares for the future of Delta State even after he would have left office as governor.

What is your reading of the political development in Delta State today?

Under the Governor’s able leadership, Delta State is playing its role responsibly in national politics. As a PDP state, the Governor is one of the bastions of support for President Jonathan and one of the main pillars of support for South South geopolitical aspirations and politics. At state level, Deltans have grown to live in harmony with one another. The only problem comes from those seeking political office especially at the gubernatorial level. Many of the aspirants are trying to cause confusion just to foster their selfish interests without regard for the established rules of engagement.

What do you see will be the outcome of the December 8 2014 primaries?

The contest will be keen but I still see Sir Tony Obuh emerging as the clear winner.

Do you think that Delta North is prepared to get this ticket?

Definitely Delta North is prepared and will get the ticket because one of the contestants, Sir Tony Obuh has generated massive statewide support as you could see from the events at his recent declaration at the Cenotaph at Asaba. At this point in time the elders of Delta North are now saying that we should all come together in support of one person, Sir Tony Obuh if he is and who is clearly the front runner in this gubernatorial contest.

The other Senatorial Districts are not giving up on contesting?

Yes some of them are doing all they can to keep their campaign alive. But most of them are operating under the yoke of a heavy conscience because they know that it is the turn of Delta North to get the ticket this time around. Some have tried to appeal to base ethnic sentiments which somehow have not quite caught on because Deltans actually believe in the idea of fairness for all Deltans. Many of our leaders across the three senatorial districts have bought into this idea that all sections of the state must be carried along in political power sharing.

What motivated your endorsement of Sir Tony Obuh as the next governor of Delta State?

Our endorsement of Sir Tony Obuh arose from the way he has come across as a man of uncommonly high intellect who has served Delta State diligently and loyally without any political baggage and without blemish. Just recall all the releases his campaign organization has made in the media and the interviews Sir Obuh has given and you will identify a clear quality of thinking that shows that he knows what he is talking about. He has demonstrated a clear knowledge of the inner workings of government and the planned programmes of action which he has articulated is the most focused so far. He remains calm even when most other contestants are busy just trying to run him down. He prefers to spend his time and energy appealing for the support and trust of all Deltans and convincing them that he will work for them conscientiously if elected as governor. Many well informed Deltans also believe that when he was still in the service Sir Obuh played a very

important supporting role when Governor Uduaghan was formulating this well acclaimed policy related to a future Delta state without oil. So he is not just guessing but he already has a deep knowledge of what is required to run Delta state successfully as a governor. He stands out clearly as one of the very best and this is the kind of candidate that we and most Deltans will like to support.

What will be your advice to the numerous aspirants from Delta North in this race?

We would strongly advise them to be realistic enough to recognise that it is Sir Tony Obuh who has the momentum and support across the state at the moment. There will be only one winner in this contest and we think it will be the front runner who is Sir Tony Obuh.   Therefore what they ought to do should be to stand down now and redirect their support to him, but obviously the decision is theirs to take.