• Says Isoko Senatorial Ambition Beyond Party’s Affiliation.

From MICHAEL J. EKOKORUWE

The President General of the Isoko Apex social cultural organization, ISOKO Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, has again appealed to all Isoko sons and daughters, home and diaspora to critically evaluate the true position of the Isoko peòple politically, embrace the truth and take a fare share at the National Assembly as we approach the February 2023 general elections.

The number one Isoko citizen made this known at the Isoko Unity House when he played host to journalists. According to him, the resolution that birthed ISOKO FOR SENATE 2023, was not orchestrated by Prof. Chris Akpotu, but the entire Isoko people, in all-inclusive annual general conference of 27th December, 2021.

He noted that the conference which comprised people of multiparty and facets of interest, with common old parlance, is premised on personal interest, but that would be suicidal to Isoko collective interest if remained unchecked.

He posited that, all Isoko traditional rulers, all Clan Presidents general, Isoko Branches Council, Stakeholders, Patrons, Board of Trustees, Women & Youth wings we must as a matter of necessity understand the bond decision reached, as unshakable, sacrosanct, and as a people, we must prove the political mettle in the Isoko Senatorial ambition.

Akpotu added that, consultation made to sisters’ nations – Ijaw and Itsekiri, March 8, 2022, and Sunday March 27, 2022, respectively to solicit ethnic support, haven considered the lopsided, oppressive elective offices shared in Delta State, thereby making Isoko nation play second fiddle in national political discourse, cannot be wished away under any guise of pretentious good relationship.

Akpotu stated that, the Itsekiri, through former Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, was Governor for 8 solid years, a political position/seat that is far better and valuable than 50 Senators put together.

The Professor of Management Sciences, added that the Senate seat is not councilorship or appointive position that requires personal choice, noting that the chamber is a position for ingenuity and intellectuals.

The erudite scholar said, despite the long natural and cultural fraternity with other nationalities, arising from socio-cultural, marriage, political, and by divine arrangement of belonging to same Senatorial district, Isoko had been maligned. It is crystal clear that the Ijaws, through Senator James Manager, held sway, clinching the Senatorial seat for the past 20 unbroken years in the office that belonged to 3 ethnic nations.

“A Senator must be seen to have the audacity to address issues frontally, as well as confront other Senators in the hallowed red chambers with novel positions. It is expected that as a party or ethnic nationality, we must be mindful of our representation, and not fanning the embers of political sentiments”, he added.

“SIR. AYODELE OGHOGHO OTHIHIWA, FCA, an Isoko economic grandmaster, a man of intergrity, right standing, whose sense of experience is quite massive, a world financial expert with wonderful international connections, came under the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), but wickedly, he was frustrated and pushed aside for selfish reasons like a used eva-water-can”.

“Now, to right the political dejection, to right the denial, to right the overbearing ethnic insults and give Isoko a political redemptive voice, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has presented to us another indomitable Isoko SENATORIAL CANDIDATE, Hon. Joel Onowoakpo Thomas, whose social and educational features are similar to Sir, Ayodele Oghogho Othihiwa. Hon. Onowoakpo, a man with robust credentials, a man with creative experience, a financial expert who broke the “revenue jinx” both in Delta State and federal, former Chairman, Delta Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR), a seasoned gentleman with mega pedigree and seasoned Chartered Accountant of great significance, eminently versed in Tax consultancy services. He has defiled comparison, and so, we will not toy with this ample opportunity of sending him to the red chambers”.

Akpotu maintained that, “the era of party is supreme is “antiquated.” Party dominance is typically nothing without stringent recourse to capacity, commitment and effective representation. Party is supreme will experience political oblivion if equity, fair play, justice and good conscience is considered a taboo in a democratic environment where 3 brothers ought to share national cake.

“Therefore, Isoko people must rise up against this oppressive political marriage that is at variance with our collective decision and vision”. he added.

He further said, “Relatedly, the communique issued by the conference of Clans President Generals 18th March, 2022, arising from a known elective arithmetic cannot be jettisoned over night, otherwise they see Isoko as a conquered territory. We will throw in the towel of continued fruitless support because Isoko nation had paid her dues supporting other ethnic groups”.

He emphasized that, If the political romance and marriage is not appreciated and compensated proportionately with the Senatorial office, by political leaders and/or powers that be, then people are just been economical with the truth. We must begin a new behavioural conversation as a people and strategically preach the growth of Isoko nation, not the interest of one individual.

Akpotu noted that, as a nation, we cannot be deprived politically, yet coarced to support mediocrity and inexperience that will not enhance Isoko political survival. Our support to Hon. Joel Onowoakpo, has no party affiliation. We say NO to political conspiracy against Isoko Senatorial ambition on the account that Isoko interest is paramount and sacrosanct.

He enjoined Delta South Senatorial district, both professionals and business class, to reciprocate same political knot and gesture of supporting Isoko nation without dissenting political actions. It will amount to absurdity to discuss mediocrity in the presence of excellence.

He stated that, the Isoko APC candidate, Hon. Joel Onowoakpo, is the way to go, and as the cultural and administrative mouth piece of the Isoko Nation, “I say with precision that, Isoko is bleeding politically and we must navigate to correct the error by stitching the bleeding spot to avoid being amputated”.