DELTA 2015: THE STAND FOR ISOKO NATION

The era of Isoko nation playing second fiddle politics in Delta State is over. It is sad that Isoko people are taken to the cleaners when it comes to Delta politics because of its abysmal failure in previous elections and ability to acknowledge the Isoko leaders of politics in Isokoland due to schmaltzy and mushy politics that has overruled us over the years without immediate solutions to it. Isoko people are susceptible to Delta politics than any other tribe in the State. In recent times, Isoko people are now taken a centre stage of the politics and nothing more. The problem with Isoko people is ability to unite one and another.

As an avid writer and watcher of Delta politics while growing up in a small village called Ivrogbo- Irri Town at Irri Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, I discovered then that politics were played with passion not as do or die affairs that has ravaged the entire political system in Nigeria. Isoko civilization started lately in Delta politics but the music has changed its tune since new emerging Isoko politicians have studied the nitty- gritty of the politics with high level of education in the land.Isoko politics is difficult to understand if you are just a mediocre politician who plays to the gallery of people not the mandate. Some of the so-called Isoko political leaders making themselves as fathers of Isoko politics have lost their political guts to understand the political terrain of the land.

The Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has failed Isoko nation in terms of infrastructural developments but in political appointments to some extent, Isoko people have been given sensitive positions to pilot the affairs of the State.Irri has the highest clan in Isoko land but not politically recognized at the State and federal levels. For some time Irri people have been given some political positions with merit. The likes of Hon Dickson Ebegbare, Vice Chairman, Transition Committee, Isoko South, LGA, Delta, Hon Obi Eneruvie, Chairman, PDP, Isoko Chapter, Hon Chief Benjamin Essien, Delta State House of Assembly and others. Isoko people also hold key positions in the State like Hon Solomon Ogba, Hon Erijo and others.

The issue of Isoko people is minority has equally played back on us as Isoko nation over the years due to the two local governments being created in the region. Again, sentimental politics of I know your family background is another weakening factor that is drawing Isoko politics backward where we have no regards for ourselves. Comrade Samuel Macaulay, the present (SSG) said it at the Isoko Advancement Network (IAN)recently that Isoko man is only interested in running down his fellow brother and nothing else. If Anioma people could start campaigning for 2015 governorship election what Isoko nation is waiting for? Even the Ijaws and Isoko people are totally marginalized and neglected. The fact remains that If Anioma people come as governor of the State, Isoko people will go for the Deputy Governor or Senate. 2015 is fast approaching; Isoko people must wake up from slumber and tackle the realities of time. Uduaghan must not play politics with Isoko region. The likes of Chief Tom Egbuwoke, Chief Sergent Uredi, Senator Okpozo, Chief Mrs Stella Omu,Hon Raphael Okelezo, Malik Itiakpo, Dr Oke Akpojene and others must think of what to do for Isoko nation. BY GODDAY ODIDI. PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST. 20 0ro street Ajegunle Apapa Lagos. 08058124798, 07086603306