Okakuro (Barr.) Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie, candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Ethiope East State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, has pledged to operate with complete transparency if elected, declaring that his salary and other official earnings will be made public.
Ikie made the commitment on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, shortly after his affirmation as the NDC candidate, assuring constituents that they would be informed about any funds accruing to him through his legislative responsibilities.
“When I get to the Delta State House of Assembly, I will be transparent. All I will do will be open. Whatever money comes, you will know about it. I will tell you what I will be paid in the House of Assembly. My salary will be known,” he said.
The NDC candidate said he would publish details of his salary on Facebook, stressing that he was not seeking public office for personal financial enrichment.
Ikie, in a statement that underscored his claim of financial independence, said he had previously rejected ₦1 billion allegedly offered by Sheriff, adding that the remuneration attached to the Assembly would not be enough to make him compromise his principles.
“If I could reject ₦1 billion from Sheriff, I don’t think it is what they are going to pay over there that I would go there to find or look for. It is our pain and concern that I am going there for,” he said.
He further stated that he had never benefited from government contracts or public funds, maintaining that his resources had been earned through his personal efforts.
“The work we did today, you people should remember, I have not eaten government money since I was born. I have not done government contract since I was born. The money I spend is the work of my hands,” Ikie said.
He also promised that his office would not become a platform for patronage or the distribution of public resources among political loyalists.
“We will not use office to share this money. There should be nothing like ward chairman. Let’s not be greedy. It’s flat sharing,” he said.
Why His Candidacy Was Affirmed
Explaining the rationale behind the affirmation, Ikie said the NDC had conducted its primary election before the alteration of the constituency boundaries, during which he emerged as the party’s candidate.
According to him, the subsequent separation of Abraka State Constituency from the former Ethiope East Constituency necessitated the reaffirmation of his candidacy to avoid legal uncertainty.
He argued that the constituencies should properly be known as Ethiope East State Constituency and Abraka State Constituency, rather than “Ethiope East Constituency I.”
Ikie explained that although electoral law ordinarily provides for a fresh primary in a newly created constituency, provisions relating to boundary changes could permit either an affirmation or another process in the affected constituency.
“We know what the law says. That is my territory. The law says that ordinarily they should do the primaries in the new constituency, which is Abraka. But there is a little bit of vagueness in the law which could be exploited,” he said.
‘Salvation Has Come’
Addressing his supporters, Ikie urged them to remain confident, describing his candidacy as the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Ethiope East.
“My message to my people is this: we should take heart, because salvation has come,” he said.
Drawing on the biblical account of Nathanael, he described himself as a politician without deceit and promised to represent his constituents honestly.
“I have no lie in me. I have no deceit in me. I always say the truth, and I guarantee you all that you will never regret sending me to Asaba,” he said.
Ikie also said he was satisfied with his personal circumstances and would not regard the House of Assembly as an avenue for accumulating wealth.
“I am at the bottom, but I am satisfied at the bottom. That’s the difference. I am contented,” he said.
According to him, his personal contentment would enable him to channel public resources towards addressing the needs of constituents rather than pursuing private interests.
“Because of the fact that I am satisfied and content with what I have, any other money that comes will be used to work for you people,” Ikie added.
He reiterated that transparency, accountability and service to the people would remain the guiding principles of his legislative ambition as he seeks to represent Ethiope East in the Delta State House of Assembly.
