Mr Quincy Tebite is one of the gospel leading musicians in the Niger Delta. He has many musical albums to his credit.
In this interview, he speaks on the dissolved Comrade Emma Grey-led Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria,PMAN, executive in Delta State and his ambition to take over as the next PMAN leader in the state.
Excerpts:
There has been delay in the transition of Delta State chapter PMAN? What would you say is responsible for this?
There is no delay in the transition process. It was just a technical hitch and it has been corrected.
We learnt the executive council went for a meeting in Warri on Wednesday, February 19. What are the fallouts?
Yes, it was a meeting indeed and we succeeded in dissolving the state exco and fixed a date for the state election.
Are you interested in any position?
Of course yes. In 2011, I contested for the state PMAN governorship.
Are you sure your fellow comrades are for you?
Yes. You know that the truth always remain apparent no matter how long it takes. PMAN Delta State is made up of enlightened people; they need someone who can penetrate the government and present their plight; hence this much yearning for a change.
There is so much insinuation in the state that you faulted the effort of this past PMAN government.
How? Comr. Emma Grey is my brother and to debunk that insinuation, when the state exco was to be sworn-in in Asaba when Deltans celebrated Delta at 20 an August 27, 2011, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan noticed that there was rancor in the state PMAN and he intended to investigate what the problems were. On that note, I and Zubi Enebeli clarified some issues with his excellency which would have jeopardized or truncated the inauguration exercise.
In other words, our rapport with his excellency via the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr.Mofe Damijo[RMD], brought the success of the 2011 inauguration. Even when the PMAN Delta State exco was taken to court by one Comr. Clement Ogbeta, a comrade from my zone [Ughelli] who is now the Chairman elect in Ughelli Zone, I made sure the case was settled out of court. Comrade Emma Grey can attest to all these. And, severally, I have suggested so many good ideas to Emma Grey and we have lived harmoniously. So, where are the insinuations coming from?
What will you do differently if elected?
Foremost, if elected, I will ensure our state secretariat is in place in Asaba and liaison offices in all the zones in the state and see to it that they are well equipped. I will also ensure that the welfare and interest of Delta artistes are well protected. The unification of all Delta artistes across all the nine zones in the state both old and young is paramount. Then all other things will strategically be in place.
What is the relationship between PMAN administration and the Delta State Government?
Just as the seed is imbedded in the fruit, so PMAN government in Delta State is imbedded in Delta State government. Delta State government is an umbrella that covers every other social associations within her territory whereby PMAN Delta State gallantly stands amongst other social association, in the state.
Again, if elected as PMAN governor, will you work harmoniously with Delta State government?
Certainly yes. To my knowledge, Delta state is a PDP State which is neither contestable nor negotiable and, of course, PMAN Delta State will ensure that its drive is in consonance or in tandem with the state PDP. This is my candid opinion and objective. Vanguard
