Isoko Nation: Race To DTHA, Asaba House, LG And Abuja Hot Up

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Isoko nation recently became the epicenter of politics in Delta state following the nomination of Isoko South Local Government chairmanship candidate, Hon.Malik Ikpokpo. Though Malik's nomination was done on credibility which Irri community was due for the position of the chairmanship over the years. In 2011 elections, PDP almost lost to then opposition party, Democratic People's Party (DPP) in Isokoland where the youth resisted any form of imposition only to be disappointed by those they fought for after elections.

In Delta State House of Assembly, most especially Isoko South Constituency 1, where in history, nobody has served twice, eight aspirants have indicated interest to contest for the position.Isoko PDP ticket has been thrown open to about seven aspirants and others from the opposition parties in Isokoland.

The unfolding events have even made the Isoko politics thick. The aspirants jostling for power are what apologists of the late Dr.K .O Mbadiwe would describe as men of timbre and caliber and political juggernauts who profess to have an edge over others in the race. They profess to parade unbeatable credentials that will help catapult the ailing Isoko nation to the economic envy of other regions of the federation, as they all decry the deplorable condition in which the region found itself.

They have collectively and individually tagged Isoko nation in various ways like doldrums of underdevelopment,marginalization,second fiddle political players, a shadow of its former self, a region where dividends of democracy has eluded its people; a region struggling to catch up with the rest of other regions of the federation among other tags.

In Isoko South constituency 1, Delta State House of Assembly, everybody is waiting for their various party primaries to decide who becomes the sole candidate of PDP, APC or LP. The fact remains that Isoko South politics is stronger than Isoko North politics where individual can be considered as a result of previous political performances in the party.

Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor of Isoko North PDP chairmanship candidate nomination was based on his previous performances without strong opposition from other parties in Isoko North. One new Kano-based Isoko politician and chartered accountant Hon. Godwin Ogeki (Enhwe) has fully indicated interest to contest for Isoko South chairmanship position under the labour party come October 25th,2014.

He is fully ready to win PDP. He is a man of few words with vision for Isoko South while Hon. Jubilant Igelige of APC cannot be underestimated in the forth-coming LG elections. Come to Isoko South constituency 1 where Hon. Benjamin Essien under the then DPP now APC presently occupying while other aspirants trying to unseat him in 2015.Though Hon. Benjamin Essien has tried to some extent in bringing political developments but Isoko South constituency 1 is not met for re-election unlike Isoko South constituency 2 and Isoko North constituency are incontestable.

Again, Hon. Benjamin Okiemute Essien is from Irri, Hon. Emakpor Odogu(Emede), Barrister Mrs.Orezi Esievo(Emede), Mr. Dennis Kola Obrogo(Emede),Mr.Charles Mallam Obi(Oleh),Hon.Benjamin Efekodo(Oleh), Hon. Pastor Powell Ojogho(Oleh) and Dickson Egbebare(Irri).No Emede man or woman has occupied the position of Isoko South constituency 1 in the Delta State House of Assembly since 1991.The zoning arrangement of Isoko PDP is likely to favour Emede community in 2015. Emede community has not done badly in Delta politics where the like of Chief Joel Onowakpo, the present chairman of Delta State Board Internal Revenue,Barrister Orezi Esievo, Austin Igbine and others have helped to steer the ship of Delta State with Dr.Emmanuel Uduaghan.Some of the PDP House of Assembly aspirants are mere noise-makers trying to seek for cheap political appointments not real elections.

The problem with the most favorable aspirant is that, Barrister Orezi is married to an Urhobo man but she understands the nitty-gritty of Isoko politics. Barrister Orezi is capable of taking Isoko South constituency 1 to the Promised Land if elected.

Again, nobody has signified interest to contest for Delta State governorship elections come 2015, even though the PDP zoning arrangement has directly favored Delta North, Isoko nation is eying the deputy governorship position come 2015.Isoko politicians play Delta politics with guided principles of PDP.The like of Prof.Saliba Umukoro,Joel Onowakpo, Solomon Ogba and Macaulay Ovuozourie are waiting for PDP to take the final decision. But Hon.Joel Onowakpo remains the choice of Isoko nation with his dumbfounding political achievements in Delta State.

Finally, the race to Isoko federal constituency is getting tougher since it has been rumored that the present Delta SSG, Comrade Macaulay Ovuozourie has silently signified interest to contest alongside with Hon. Leo Ogor, Dr.Ogaga Ifowodo of APC,Chief Barrister Daniel for 2015 while Labour party wants Hon. Benjamin Essien to contest against Hon. Leo Ogor who has turned Abuja as his personal interest than the people represented. Hon Leo Ogor ought to go for senate not House of Representatives again. The so-called window-dressing projects being lately executed by Hon.Leo Ogor to win the minds of Isoko people could have been early executed to test his political credibility.

He has every right to contest for fourth term but he has to step down for others to occupy the position. Now that Prince Erijo wants to seek re-election into Isoko South constituency 2 using his ipad boys to campaign for him via online, Hon.Ferguson Onwo is at a struggling stage of defecting if PDP refuses to give him the ticket for 2015.Hon.Ferguson Onwo has credibly done well in Isoko South politics. He deserves the seat of power come 2015.The fact remains that in Isoko North constituency, Hon.Tim Owhefere is going back for third term without strong opposition. It is time for Isoko people to vote wisely in 2015.

Godday Odidi
Public Affairs Analyst/
Mindset Media Limited
08058124798 Lagos




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Articles by Godday Odidi