The dream of Senator James Manager, the four-term senator representing Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State, to launch a return for the fifth time has suffered some setbacks as youths in the district have vowed to scuttle his moves to that effect.
Delta South Youth Liberation Movement, a political pressure group comprising the three major ethnic nationalities in Delta South Senatorial District, namely Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri, voiced this plan at a news conference held in Ughelli, Delta State.
Speaking specifically concerning the 2019 elections as it affects the senatorial district, the President of the group, Saviour Ayibanengiyefa, said Manager has overstayed his welcome in the upper legislative chamber and his representation of over close to 16 years has not translated to adequate wellbeing of his people.
Ayibanengiyefa said: “Senator Manager shouldn’t even think of contesting primary not to talk of going back to the senate. He has failed us, for over 15 years he has been at the senate, nothing to show for it. You cannot point a single landmark project he facilitated into the district. For 2019, it’s a no, no for him.”
The DSYLM president, who was flanked by Prosper Ewomazino and Aminoma Oritsetimeyin, his Vice-President and Secretary respectively, said the region is blessed with more experienced and tactful politicians who can do better in the Senate.
He said: “Fortunately for us, our district has been blessed with highly experienced people who could negotiate well at the national level for the sake of the development of our area.
“We call on Senator James Manager to retire from the Senate after this tenure to make room for such individuals to put their experience to test.
“I’m saying this because we hear rumours that Manager is considering another shot at the Senate.
“This is wrong.
“This is not good enough for us.
“Take a look at the road leading to his area.
“It is in a deplorable state.
“If we had a good representation, the reverse would have been the case.
“Senator Manager only cares about his pocket, he doesn’t have the development of the area at heart and this must come to an end in 2019.”