THE Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Tim Owhefere is dead.
It was reliably gathered that Owhefere who represents Isoko North constituency in the House, died at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Asaba at about 11 pm, on Wednesday.
Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to Owhefere, Mr Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, on his Facebook page, wrote: …..and again you trended today.
“This is certainly not the last that may be heard of you.
“You left behind a book we will always consult.
“Before us you stood gigantically tall. And in your absence your memories will forever luminate.
“Your death marks the end of an era. Your death opens a new chapter.
“You were a good man in every sense of the word.
“May St. Christopher whom you served in his knighthood join in the heavenly choir to receive your soul. Bye bye, Boss.”
Owhefere was in the news in September 2020 when he debunked claims that he signed an agreement that he would not recontest for the House of Assembly election in 2023.
Palmer who signed the statement on behalf of the lawmaker, said, “RE: OPEN LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR
“The attention of the Majority Leader and Honourable Member representing Isoko North Constituency, Hon. Sir Tim Kome Owhefere Esquire, has been drawn to an open letter written to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, and published in one of the national dailies.
“This letter signed by unknown individuals was nothing but a figment of human imagination and outright mutilation of political facts and realities.
“While we do not want to join issues with the paid signees, let the following facts be put on record.
“On the allegation that Honourable Member representing Isoko North Constituency made a promise to voters in 2019 that he would not contest again as a ploy to secure their votes. We want to challenge any of the signees of the Letter to show proof of such communication.
“It is hereby stated emphatically that at no time did Hon. Owhefere enter into any written or oral agreement with anyone in that regard.
“On the allegation that Hon. Tim Owhefere is planning to run for a 5th Term in the House, having been assured to be made a Speaker by the Governor, His Excellency Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. Let it be put on record that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has carefully laid down requirements for contesting the Assembly elections, and Hon. Owhefere is ably qualified if he so desire to do so.
“However, at no time did Hon. Owhefere tell anyone that Governor Okowa has agreed to make him a Speaker. Speakers are not made by Governors but elected on the floor of the House on inauguration, and the Govornor Okowa known to the world do not interfere in Legislative matters as the Delta State House of Assembly, now practices autonomy.
“We again challenge anyone with evidence to the contrary to come out with it.
“We want to encourage anyone who is interested in contesting the House of Assembly election from Isoko North to go about his intention peacefully without dragging the name of Hon. Tim Owhefere into the arena.
“The people of Isoko North are by this publication enjoined to disregard the publication, as Governor Okowa is too experienced a politician to be swayed by falsehood and half-truths concocted by desperate power seekers who are frightened to their bones by the mere mention of the name ‘Tim Owhefere’