Does Isoko Politicians Have Conscience?
In one of the latest audio CDs of our Isoko gospel father, papa Evangelist Emmanuel Ofano proverbially made a significant statement on Isoko politicians when not elected, they were criticizing those in power, now that they are elected, the worst is uncontrollable.
This Isoko music maestro, trying to send a message and correct some of the confronting political and economical challenges facing Isoko nation in recent times. In the same vein, our Isoko gospel activist, Evangelist Amos Ighaka once said in his music CD that Isoko politicians prefer to take their children abroad than empowering Isoko suffering voters that helped them to win elections.Isoko PDP is politically described as Problems Destructive Party while only those that belongs to the secret camp can take vital position of leadership in the region.
Isoko nation is one of the marginalized and neglected regions in the Niger-Delta but surrounded with political traitors and attention seekers who prefer to sit on the fences or spectators than participating actively in the political competition in the state.Isoko South politics is played with distinctive competition while Isoko North politics is played on selection than election.Ozoro community is now flooded with terrestrial rainfall in the land while political leaders seem not be concerned on the suffering Isoko people than campaigning for 2015. Does Isoko North local government have a local government chairman? It is sad that Hon.Samuel Idise has failed to alleviate the sufferings of Ozoro people. The worst is that Hon. Samuel Idise is from Ozoro community and no visible drainage system sited in the community.
Umeh Need Road Forum(UNRF) that was created by Barrister Duncan Danjuma of Umeh kingdom to be the online intellectual mouth piece of Isoko nation is now being politically hijacked by certain errand boys of Isoko politicians that used the forum to send self-insulting posts on their targeted oppositions with window dressing campaign projects. Since the creation of Isoko nation on the 7th of October, 1963, the political structure being used to pursue the common goal of Isoko nation by late Chief Ekpre Otobo is now relegated to the background. How many Isoko politicians are still trending on the legacies of late doyen of Isoko politics, Chief James Otobo of Uzere kingdom? Most of the so-called respected Isoko pastors are now turning their cathedrals into political campaign grounds for unappreciative Isoko politicians.
The self-acclaimed Isoko seers are now celebrating self-centred and iniquitous Isoko politicians in order to expand their ministries instead of the gospel. The real word of God is disappearing from the anointed altar because of worldly desires of life. Most Isoko clergies are preaching stomach salvation than God..Isoko politicians no longer see Isoko clergy men as spiritual advisers than seeing them as the same political cults.Isoko pastors regularly sing praises of these dreaded politicians that prefer to play second fiddle politics than making Delta State as their own political birthright. Most of the educated Isoko youths that ought to correct the evil political manipulations of Isoko politicians are now involving in twisting politics with their brains than fighting for their rights.
It is sad that UNR forum is being used by certain members to support their paymasters that have created unrepentant poverty in Isokoland.It is now dawn on any elected and non-elected Isoko politicians to buy cars for their supporters than giving scholarships to indigent students in the region.Isoko nation is the third largest ethnic group in Delta State and one of the largest producer of crude oil and gas in Nigeria, yet unemployment has hit the rock in the region.
How can certain top Isoko politicians decide the future of Isoko nation through the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).These hungry seeking political leaders and elders have decided to tag any other political party in the region as enemy of democracy. It is the right of every Isoko indigene to participate in his or her choice party.Isoko has no cottage industries than petty traders in the region.
One of the worrying political factors is that Dr.Emmanuel Uduaghan,an Itsekeri native could dictate the kind of leadership that suites Isoko nation. Most Isoko politicians prefer contract politics than the masses. Even when a politician in Isoko contests election under the Labour Party (LP) or All Progressives Party(APC) who once in PDP could easily defect after clinching victory to his or her former party to retain contracts from the party.Isoko politicians easily fall out of politics if their political contracts from the state government are terminated. Who is the Isoko messiah for 2015?
Late Dr.Abel Ubeku was one Isoko politician that understood the nitty-gritty of Isoko politics.Isoko Development Union (IDU) that ought to be the eye of Isoko nation is being taken to the cleaners over the years. We should know vividly that no political position in Isoko is the birthright of any Isoko politician. The worst is that, the enlightening Isoko youths are not ready to participate in any given elections in Isoko than killing themselves for unknown politics.
Isoko nation is yet to produce seasoned and technocratic politicians than arrogant ones that do not pick calls or reply text messages while using Ipader boys to intimidate their oppositions. The only success of Isoko politicians to build well-furnished hotels and suites, bakeries, fishing ponds and invest on concubines and nothing more.
The only two appointed Isoko politicians doing credible works in the region are Hon.Joel Onowakpo and Comrade Macaulay Ovuozourie have used their positions to employ Isoko youths and the former has set up his noble organization across Isokoland with creative empowerments.Isoko has many political forums that lack political credibility. Those creating these selfish forums are not worthy to be grassroots leaders. As 2015 approaches, Isoko is yet to signify interest in Delta 2015 governorship ambition than playing eye service politics to the present Delta state leadership.
The like of Hon. Solomon Ogba, Hon.Leo Ogor.Ross Uredi, Johnson Erijo, Hon.Macaulay Ovuozourie,Askia Ogieh and others cannot decide for Isoko nation.2014 Isoko South and Isoko North chairmanship candidates for PDP and other opposition parties are not new to Isoko politics but the issue is that political cabals have succeeded in installing their godsons and goddaughters into power.Isoko North politics does not have opposition like Isoko South where retinue of politicians are contesting for one position.
Can Leo Ogor win his fourth term ambition come 2015? At present Hon. Benjamin Essien is politically confused while nobody knows whether he belongs to the APC or LP due to his recent pasted posters without party logo and even Hon.Ferguson Onwo repeated the same political jingoism. The body language of Ferguson indicates that if PDP decides to cede the ticket to Hon.Erijo, then Labour party is ready to give him the ticket while Hon. Benjamin Efekodo has already declared for labour party.
By Godday odidi Public Affairs Analyst/Mindset Media Limited 08058124798 Lagos.