Let me say it straight. Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei’s recent outburst against Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is disappointing and downright embarrassing for a man who claims decades of experience in politics. Instead of engaging in honest debate, Ochei has chosen to peddle blatant falsehoods and cheap propaganda, all in a clear attempt to drag down a leader who enjoys genuine support from the people. Aptly, Ochei's outburst is malicious and really reveals his troubling struggle for political relevance.

Perhaps the most absurd was Ochei’s assertion that Dr. Okowa once served as a councillor. That is completely false. Dr. Okowa has never held that position. The records are there. The deliberate falsehood, as far as I am concerned, will drip through the rest of his assertions about Okowa.

Then, there is his allegation that Dr. Okowa is positioning his in-law for House of Representatives seat for Ika Federal Constituency. That claim, too, is a barefaced lie conjured in Ochei's mind. The APC primary for House of Representatives featured no fewer the six aspirants who contested openly. Party members from all 26 wards participated in the Option A4 voting process, and Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa emerged victorious. Osazuwa has no family relationship whatsoever with Dr. Okowa. It's verifiable. So, the attempt to paint the outcome as an act of nepotism is simply a manufactured narrative, designed to mislead the public and raises serious questions about Ochei’s credibility.

Ochei’s criticism of Dr. Okowa and his daughter contesting separate elections is equally misplaced. In spite of spending more than two decades in politics, Ochei appears to have forgotten a basic democratic principle: political power ultimately resides with the people. In a democracy, no individual has the authority to determine who should or should not seek elective office simply because of family ties. Every qualified citizen has the right to present himself or herself for election, while the electorate retains the exclusive right to decide who deserves their mandate. That principle remains the foundation of representative government and should not be sacrificed for political convenience.

Dr. Okowa did not actively seek the senatorial ticket. It's on record that he was persuaded by respected leaders and a broad spectrum of Anioma stakeholders to contest for the seat. The delegation of no fewer than 50 prominent politicians from Delta North was led by Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme. The mission reflected the widespread belief that Dr. Okowa still has much to offer in service to the people and Nigeria. It represented further testament to the goodwill Okowa had built over the years through service, accessibility, and his connection with the people. This is a fact Ochei cherishes, but is fighting himself not to acknowledge anymore for current political alignments.

Similarly, the decision on who represents Ika North-East in Delta House of Assembly rests with the electorate. Having assessed Marilyn Okowa-Daramola’s performance during her current tenure, many constituents considered her deserving of another term. Her father couldn't have prevented her from seeking re-election when the people themselves remained supportive of her representation.

Whether Marilyn Okowa-Daramola returns to the House of Assembly is not for her father or detractors to decide. It is a decision for the people who have evaluated her performance and will ultimately determine her fate at the polls. Ochei’s suggestion that Dr. Okowa should prevent his daughter from seeking re-election reflects a misunderstanding of how representative democracy works. The electorate, not political rivals, hold that power.

What appears to be troubling Ochei is Dr. Okowa’s enduring political relevance. While others engage in endless accusations and political grandstanding, Okowa continues to draw support from years of public service, resilience, and tangible contributions to wellbeing of his people. His popularity across Anioma is not accidental. It has been built over time through dedication, consistency, and close affinity with the grassroots. His record, commitment, love, and connection with ordinary people remain among the reasons he continues to enjoy widespread support.

If Ochei or anyone else wishes to challenge Dr. Okowa, they are fully entitled to do so. The ballot box remains the proper arena for political contests. What they should avoid, however, is the spread of falsehoods, personal attacks, and attempts to distort facts. The people of Delta State are increasingly discerning and can distinguish between truth and political misrepresentations. Facts remain facts, regardless of how much effort is invested in twisting them. Dr. Okowa’s legacy is firmly established, and no amount of bitterness or misinformation from the Ocheis in this world can erase it.