Victor Oko-Jumbo needs no introduction for the people of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers State. He is the House of Assembly candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Bonny State Constituency, who has been criss-crossing the length and breadth of the LGA, consulting with ethnic associations, Chieftaincy Houses, villages and trade unions, all in bid to secure their buy-in to his ambition to be elected as a member of the State Parliament.

An articulate, eloquent, vibrant and versatile young politician, Oko-Jumbo comes through as one whose entrance into elective politics points at a departure from the practice of failed promises, blistering hopes that power has finally returned to the people.

In this exclusive interview with Kristina Reports’ Ann Hart held on the sidelines of his town hall meeting with the Ogbobiri Asawo (Adult Males) of Bonny Kingdom at the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF) Secretariat, Bonny, on Friday, January 13, 2023, the rights activist explains why the forthcoming 2023 general election in Nigeria is an election of conscience. He further spells out the summation of his brand-promise in one sentence, and sheds light on other pertinent aspects of his central campaign message. The revelations are endearing. Enjoy the read.

Kristina Reports: Good Evening, Sir. May we meet you?

Victor Oko-Jumbo: My name is Comrade Victor Oko-Jumbo and by God’s grace, I am the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for Bonny State constituency.

The elections are barely 40 days away, how would you describe the process so far and what are your expectations?

Well, it would be an election of conscience and for us in the People’s Democratic Party, we believe that the interest of the people will prevail and that is why you see us moving around and reaching out to people, holding town hall meetings, making consultations to ensure we get to be on the same page with the people so as to usher in that desired success come February 25th for the Presidential elections, and March 11th for the Governorship and State Assembly elections

What would be your message to the undecided voters and those still harbouring doubts over your capacity to deliver?

Well, I will advise everybody to ensure that they know their rights and responsibilities as voters, and citizens because it is only when you know your rights and responsibilities that you will know what to do. I am are saying that we should realise that everyone has a role to play in the development of society and voting is one of such important duties that no one should shy away from. Therefore, when the interest of society is prioritised, people will naturally go out during elections and vote. Electorates are advised not to go there and compromise the processes. Do not take paltry sums from political organization to sway your own interest, make sure you don’t take any form of bribe because money shared on that day is bribe to induce and change your natural will. On whether we will deliver, like I will always say, my word is my bond. Capacity is more about living up to the expectations of the people which is what defines the very fibre of my being.

What is the secret of the momentum, energy and drive we see you exude by not just campaigning with the party, but going all out on your own to deepen your connection with the people  through village and township based consultations?

Well, when you have sat down and thought about how to bring value to the system, how to bring about true change, how to impact on the lives of the people positively, my dear, you will find energy, you will find that momentum, you will find the drive and even the resources because it will be borne out of sincerity of purpose, it will be borne out of the need to ensure and to entrench good governance in the polity. Remember, where there is a will, there is always a way.

If we may know, what is that one thing that you are assuring the people of Bonny LGA of after the February 25th and March 11th elections?

Well, I’m going to assure the Bonny people that we have gone around the campaign in a manner that it will be free, fair and credible. It will be devoid of violence and electoral fraud, we have preached oneness to our people and even to people in other political organizations. We have gone about it in such a way that there will be peace during this election, everybody will go out there, just walk out freely to go and cast your vote for your desired candidate. In this case, it’s going to be Oko, go and cast your vote for Oko and then sit there, protect the vote, submit the result, let it count that Oko is declared and then we go home, you have done your part. We will do our part, that is my assurance to Bonny people.