Governor of Delta State and Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has deplored the rising insecurity in Nigeria, saying the country was better secured in the past.
Okowa, who spoke at the funeral mass in honour of late Senator Patrick Osakwe at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Ugiliamai, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State, said Nigeria was a better country when PDP held sway at the centre.
Recalling his political engagements with Osakwe, Okowa said he used to travel at nights to visit him and returned same night without anything to worry about as far as security was concerned.
He regretted that Nigerians were no longer safe to travel in the day time talkless of embarking on night travels.
“I remember in those days when I was the Director-General of his ( Senator Osakwe) campaign organisation, I used to leave Asaba at 1a.m. and arrive Ugiliamai at about 2a.m.
“I will finish discussions with him and leave again same night either back to Asaba or Boji-Boji Agbor. Those were the good old days when we could move around without fear,” he said.
The governor extolled the deceased for his outstanding accomplishments at the Senate and for his contributions to the growth and development of Delta North Senatorial District and the state in general.
He urged the family and followers of the late senator to trust in God and take solace in the fact that their patriarch lived a life of great accomplishments as an astute businessman and politician of repute.
“He was a great politician and even ran election under another party and still won landslide.
“God knows why he has chosen to take him at this time that we all need him, especially, his immediate family. He was a father figure to a lot of people politically.
“As friends of the late Senator, we know that he has played his role very well and it is time for us to truly thank God because he came and made positive impact on humanity.
“He lived his life not just for humanity but also to the glory of God,” Okowa stated.
Earlier in his homily, Rev’d Father Barnabas Esegine described the Osakwe as an enigma who didn’t live for himself but for others.
He urged Christians to live their life with eternity in view, adding that Osakwe would be remembered for the lasting legacies he built for God and humanity.
The funeral service was attended by former Deputy Governor of the state, Chief Benjamin Elue, Senator James Manager, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Chief Ndudi Elumelu, Member House of Representatives, Hon. Ossai Ossai, State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Kingsley Esiso among other dignitaries.
