How I Survived 2019 Political Landmines – Omo-Agege

Ovie Omo-Agege, Deputy President of the Senate, on Sunday says different political landmines were laid on his way to becoming the senator representing Delta central senatorial district and also his emergence as deputy president of the senate.

Omo-Agege spoke at the Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, near Warri Delta state during his Thanksgiving service on Sunday.

He said that only God could have helped him overcome the challenges posed on his way to his new office, adding also that only God could have made somebody like him survived rugged terrain like delta state.

According to him, politics in his senatorial district is “tough and rugged”, adding that God fought the battle for him because at each time, some of his friends in the priesthood have to ‘book the catholic Eucharistic mass’ service for God’s intervention for him.

“Right from the primaries to decide who the candidate of APC will be, there were landmines erected everywhere that by any particular means, it can blow everybody out of the waters. A lot of people say Omo-Agege is tough, Omo-Agege can do this, and he can do that. No! It was not me. It’s God.

“After the APC primaries, the biggest battle was where I had to confront the political machineries of my governor (Senator Ifeanyi Okowa) and his party. It was not a tea party by any means. Any politician in Delta State will tell you that. But with God on our side, we survived it. All glory, praises and thanks be to Almighty God.

Omo-Agege said that God used people to elevate him including President Muhammadu Buhari whom he said for the first time stood firm to favour a candidate for a senate leadership position.

He said that the only reason an Urhobo eventually emerged as deputy senate president, was because President Buhari put his ‘foot down’ alongside his ‘inner caucus’ to say Omo-Agege is his preferred candidate for
the job.

“Haven survived that, it was the battle for the leadership of the Senate. For my trajectory, for those who followed the development in the 8th Senate. President Muhammadu Buhari is not known for chesting out for people in situation like this, but for the very first time, Mr President put his foot down and said Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is the one that will be the Deputy President of the Senate.

“I want Urhobo people and the people of Delta Central Senatorial District to thank Mr President. The only reason your son for the very first time since the advent of politics is the Deputy Senate President is because of President Buhari. He didn’t do that alone. He has his inner cabinet. His caucus so to speak.

“Our national chairman (APC) here (Adams Oshiomhole) if he never wanted me to be the deputy president of the senate, it wouldn’t have happened. But he put his foot down and working with Mr President and Vice President that the office of the DSP must come to South –South.

“My heart is full of gratitude to God. Primarily, if men are to decide who should be re-elected senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Delta Central, I am sure, that wouldn’t have be Senator Omo-Agege.

“If men are to decide among the 109 members of the Senate who should become the Deputy Senate President, I am sure too, it will not be Senator Omo-Agege. But there’s only one reason why this happened, that’s God. Delta Central and indeed, Delta State is a rugged terrain. It is a survival of the fittest.”

Consequently, Omo-Agege pledged to use his position to unite his party as was admonished by the clergyman during the homily. He also pledged to continue to mobilise support for President Buhari to succeed with his blueprint for the country.

In his remark, Vice President Osinbajo, described Senator Omo-Agege as a loyal and committed lawmaker whose desire is to see that the country overcome its challenges and for the betterment of Nigerians.

Osinbajo said, “With the steadfastness in the Senate, we will get it right in the country. Omo-Agege is committed and we thank God that we are here with our brother to celebrate.”

Senate President, Lawan, while lauding Omo-Agege for his “courage”, said, “as a diverse people with different ethnic and religious backgrounds, we should work together to make Nigeria better.”

On his part, Okowa said that there was a lot of work to be done and stressed that while Nigerians should be committed to serving God, they should also be committed to serving the nation.

“Today is a big day not just for you, Senator Omo-Agege, but for the people of Delta Central and the entire state.

“Whatever you are was made possible by God and we thank you for remembering to appreciate God because it is never late to give thanks to God.

“There is a lot of work to be done in our state and the country; we should render service to God and mankind. I urge Deltans in the National Assembly to bring the much you can to Delta even as you work for our nation for it to be progressive,” he said.

Earlier in his sermon, Very Rev. Fr. Mario Ozele, had said that Jesus required His followers to forgive those who wronged them.  Ozele urged Omo-Agege to forgive those who had abused him or offended him, saying “love them and pray for them to change positively.

“Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors; hatred kills and Nigeria is becoming a killing field due to anger and hatred.

“The early signs of genocide is in the air; Nigeria is weighed down by poverty and corruption; the value of life in Nigeria is at all time low but God has plans for Nigeria”, he said.

The event was attended by, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Senator Hope Uzodinma (Executive Governor of Imo State), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Executive Governor of Delta State), Governor Nyesom Wike of River State, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Executive Governor of Jigawa State), Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-rufai.

National chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senate George Akume, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, former Delta governor, Chief James Ibori, immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Delta Assembly Speaker, Engr. Victor Ochei.

Also in attendance were: Senators Ibikunle Amosun, James Manager, Rochas Okorocha, Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh (NDDC, EDP), Rev. Francis Waive, Chief Benard Okumagba, Senator Ighoyota Amori, notable traditional rulers including Olu of Warri, Ovie of Uvwie, the Ohworode of Olomu, the Orodje of Okpe (Kingdoms), among other top Government functionaries.