Former aide to the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem, has strongly condemned recent social media publications comparing his popularity and political relevance with that of his former boss, describing such narratives as “mischievous, hurtful, and entirely unacceptable.”
In a statement made available to journalists, Ibegbulem said the comparisons misrepresent both his political journey and personal values, stressing that he owes his growth in public service to the mentorship and support of Senator Okowa.
“My attention has been drawn, with deep concern, to certain publications making the rounds on social media where some individuals are attempting to compare my popularity and political relevance with that of my boss, mentor, and father figure, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa,” he said.
He traced his long-standing relationship with the former governor to 2001, noting that he has served Okowa in multiple capacities for over two decades.
“For over two decades, I have walked closely with this great leader, beginning from the year 2001,” Ibegbulem stated. “I served him as his Personal Assistant for seven years, Special Assistant when he was Secretary to the State Government for four years, Senior Legislative Aide during his four years in the Senate, and Principal Secretary throughout his eight years as Governor of Delta State.”
According to him, Okowa’s influence on his life and career is profound and inseparable from who he is today in public service.
“This is the man who believed in me when I had little, who employed me into the civil service in the year 2000 immediately after my service, and who nurtured me, guided me, and trusted me with responsibilities that shaped my life, my character, and my career,” he said.
Ibegbulem described the attempt to pit him against his mentor as morally wrong and culturally misplaced.
“To now suggest that I should be compared with him in popularity or political relevance is to misunderstand both my journey and my heart,” he declared. “A son is not in competition with his father. A student does not measure himself against his teacher.”
Reaffirming his allegiance, the former aide said his loyalty to Okowa remains absolute and non-negotiable.
“Let it be known to all that my loyalty to His Excellency is total, unwavering, and non-negotiable. I make no apologies for it,” he said, adding, “If loyalty is foolishness, then I choose to be foolishly loyal.”
He further подчеркed that ambition would never supersede gratitude or honour in his personal value system.
“I will never trade gratitude for ambition, nor will I exchange honour for opportunism. Betrayal and disloyalty are values I do not possess,” Ibegbulem stated.
He concluded by pledging continued support for the former governor and the legacy they built together.
“I remain eternally grateful to my boss, my mentor, and my leader, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. I stand with him, I stand for him, and I stand by the legacy we have built together,” he said.
