By Miebi John
Reports emerging from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) primaries indicate attempts by some leaders to administer fetish oaths on delegates.
Several cases have been reported in Delta North and it is feared that it might be widespread a across the state but many of the delegates are said to be resisting it, insisting that it is against their religious faith and right to free political expression.
A delegate from Oshimili South narrated his experience on Saturday evening ahead of the House of Assembly and House of Representatives primaries holding this Sunday.
“A party Leader, a Chief invited delegates to his house yesterday evening. He talked them into taking of oath but Victor Okocha who is a delegate shut him down and spoke on behalf of others. He insisted that nobody will swear any oath. Other leaders present also requested them to surrender their phones but most of the delegates also resisted that move. It was when Victor Okocha threatened to hold a press conference and expose them that the Chief, soft pedaled.
“The delegates have now been taken to different hotels where they will be camped and might be further subjected to various forms of intimidation.
“Our worry is that these people might have their way in other local governments in Delta North to be administering fetish oath on delegates. This is a very ungodly and dangerous thing.
“This appears to be the Incumbent Governor’s main strategy to deliver his preferred candidates in the primaries. We are only praying and hoping that delegates across the state can muster the courage to resist the administration of oath on them it is very bad and very primitive. We cannot be made to bow before gods that we don’t know just because of politics.” The source said.
Meanwhile, Results of Delta state House of Assembly primaries ongoing across the state are coming out gradually.
The Union Nigeria gathered that in Isoko South 1 constituency, Hon. Bino Ohwede has emerged as candidate of the party ahead of the general elections.
Other candidates include; Isoko South 2, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Oshimili North. Barr Esenwa, Okpe Constituency, Chief James Augoye, Ndokwa West, Hon Charles Emetulu, Ethiope East, Hon Arthur Akpovwovwo, Ethiope West, Hon. Christian Onogba, Oshimili South, Bridget Anyafulu, Warri South Constituency 2, Hon Poko Matthew Opuoru, Isoko North, Bernard Odior, Warri North, Hon Fred Martins, Uvwie Constituency, Hon. Solomon Ighrakapata.
While efforts to reach the Independent National Electoral Commission for confirmation of the details have not yielded result, The Union Nigeria will give updates as more details emerge.
