UDUAGHAN DISCLOSES HOW HE CHOOSE HIS DEPUTY

             

Delta state governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that his deputy did not lobby for the position but chose his through divine inspiration

Dr. Uduaghan who disclosed this in a special ceremony to mark Prof. Utuama’s 65^th Birthday in Asaba said prof. Utuama did not lobby neither did anybody lobby for him.

He said his choice just came naturally and through fervent prayers.

His words “Many people lobbied me and my predecessor, Chief James Ibori for the position of Deputy but we did not give them but just settled for prof. Utuama.”

The governor said prof. Utuama was surprised when the information reached him and he described him as a loyal, deeply spiritual and dedicated deputy.

Dr. Uduaghan disclosed that he prayed for a loyal deputy and God answered his prayers by giving him Prof. Utuama.

Explaining that he had no regret choosing him he said prof. Utuama vindicated his trust and confidence.

The chairman of the occasion and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore described Prof. Utuama as a great patriot, God fearing and loyal deputy.

Alfa Belgore expressed satisfaction over the progress of Prof. Utuama in the performance of his duty as a deputy, teacher and as a legal Icon.

Speaking at the ceremony wife of the deputy governor Dr. Mrs. Tuwere Utuama described the husband as a calm, generous, humble, hardworking and dedicated person.

Dr. Mrs. Utuama also said that her husband has very strong passion for education and one who is very generous.

 Delivering a lecture titled “The value of Certificate of Occupancy in Land Use Act in the era of insecurity” the guest speaker, Prof. lmran Smith (SAN) explained that the governor has the statutory right to issue certificate of occupancy.

He said the power of the governor to grant C/O was subject to the power of the President or any minister who acts on behalf of the president adding that the land use act was an instrument to guarantee a piece of land.

Prof Smith noted that a state governor have the right to grant land title saying “The issue of C/O is the prerogative of the governor when it is not a federal land.”

Speaking further he observed that there should be a total overhaul of the land use act to solve the problems associated with land conflicts littering various courts in the country.

In a brief response the celebrant Prof Amos Utuama expressed appreciation to all who honoured his invitation and commended them for their show of love to him and his family.

He stated that he accepted to be the running mate of Dr. Uduaghan  in 2007 because it was a call to serve his people.

“When the governor called me to inform me that he wanted me to be his running mate, l hesitated, the governor then said it was a call to service This was what softened me. “ Money is good but service is rewarding.”