Hundreds of workers at the Delta State House of Assembly yesterday
rolled out the drums to celebrate the resignation of the speaker, Hon
Victor Ochei.
The workers were seen singing, dancing and offering free drinks to
passers-by, including journalists who were at the premises to confirm
the resignation.
Some of the workers who spoke to Newsmen on condition of anonymity,
however, Â described the ex-speaker as extra-ordinary, intelligent and
a visionary leader.
However, they celebrated his exit in what could be described as a
mother of all celebrations, with many of them getting drunk.
In the drama, several bottles of beer and soft drinks were freely
distributed by some of the workers who claimed that ‘whatever goes up
must come down’ as they danced in the open to celebrate the speaker’s
exit.
Unconfirmed sources said that the speaker’s resignation followed
allegations of high handedness and abrasive politicking, which
prompted members of the House to compel him to choose between
resignation and impeachment.
As early as 7:30am, the premises of the Assembly was filled with
politicians, business moguls, journalists and security agents, while
many of the workers were seen in groups discussing the development.
Some of the workers who could not hide their feelings openly said,
“This will mark the end of his political career; he is too arrogant
and has no respect for anybody”.
His chief press secretary, Mr Nkem Osu who confirmed the speaker’s
resignation to journalists on Sunday on telephone, however, said the
speaker resigned to pursue his political ambition ahead of the 2015
governorship race and dismissed insinuations that he was compelled to
resign.
Since the resignation news spread across the state, there have been
palpable tension and fear of the unknown in political circles
especially among the governorship aspirants, some of whom have
declined comments on what 2015 might turn out to be in the state.