Isoko South Consituency 2: Between Ferguson and Erijo
It is no longer news that the present serving Chief Whip of Delta State House of Assembly representing Isoko South Constituency 2,Hon(Prince) Johnson Erijo has indicated interest to contest for fourth term in the house but some political observers have reacted to his ambition as self-centred and lugubrious. The 1999 amended Nigerian constitution allows a legislator to contest as many times but all depends on the constituency represented. Having contested for three consecutive times and won, Prince Johnson Erijo ought to have contested for higher political office than just a state legislator under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).No doubt about Prince Jonson Erijo's leadership in the Delta State House of Assembly because his legislative prowess is worth to be emulated. His stewardship in Isoko South Constituency 2 is yet to be defined but to some extent he has heated the polity with voluminous criticisms.
Isoko South Constituency 2 comprises Erohwa/Umeh,Igbide,Olomoro,Enhwe,Uzere and Aviara.Prince Johnson Erijo is from Aviara community dominating Isoko politics without executing any visible projects in the land. The fact remains that Hon Erijo is not an enemy to anybody but the electorates want transformation in governance. As a legislator for 12 years, he has what it takes to rebuild Isoko South Constituency2 but he has associated himself with booth lickers that are only interested in money politics than the people.
Again, Hon. Ferguson Ajirioghene Onwo is one politician that has credibility in leadership if elected. He is from Olomoro community. He has done more than what some elected politicians could not achieve for 16 years and still want to run for another term. As a former chairman of Isoko South LGA, he knows what obtains in grassroots leadership. In Umeh Need Road Forum set up by one Barrister Duncan Danjuma, Hon.Ferguson Onwo's supporters are more than Prince Johnson Erijo's own.Isoko South Constituency 2 is not meant for greedy leaders but for those with godly mindsets like Hon. Ferguson Onwo.PDP should remember when they gave their ticket to a wrong candidate in Isoko South Constituency 1 that made them lost to the opposition party in 2011. The voices of people are the voice of God. Though, Prince Johnson Erijo is not a wicked politician as such but needed to listen to the voice of his party leaders and elders. He can as well aspire for higher political office that will devoid of criticisms in Isokoland.PDP has more political strongholds than any other political party in Isoko.Even though both PDP aspirants are friends, they should enter into a mutual agreement on how to con test for Isoko South Constituency 2.
Moreover, Isoko South Constituency 2 is not the birthright of any politician than allowing credible aspirants to contest for the elections. To some extent, Hon.Ferguson Onwo has used his little resources to empower over 300 Isoko youths while Hon Prince Johnson Erijo is not left out. The latter must have empowered some people and executed projects while beneficiaries have failed to acknowledge his efforts.Again.Prince Johnson Erijo is not an arrogant politician but he knows how to play politics with integrity. He has sponsored several bills in Delta State House of Assembly over the years and he needed to complement his fourth term ambition if the need arises. The battle for political victories of both aspirants would determine the strengths of their campaigns in different wards in the local government under the platform of the PDP.Nobody should underestimate the powers of the ruling party over these two noble aspirants in Isoko South Constituency 2.It is also an opportunity for opposition parties to field their best aspirants for the contest in 2015.
By Godday Odidi Public Affairs Analyst 08058124798 Lagos