…harps on quality representation
The Isoko Development Union (IDU), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Isoko Nation, under the leadership of its President-General, Professor Christopher Akpotu has thrown its political weight behind Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the Delta South Senatorial District ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The decision to support the NNPP candidate was taken by the President-Generals of the apex socio-cultural organization at a wider consultative meeting with Commodore Nesiama at the IDU Secretariat in Oleh, Isoko South local government area on Saturday, July 16, 2022.
Commodore Nesiama who earlier briefed the assembly on his mission to represent the district as a call to service had called on the leaders of the IDU to be among those clamouring for a new Nigeria where change is possible, by their being cautious in choosing the best candidate devoid of sentiments as well as resist mortgaging the future of the district through a wrong choice of representative. He also reminded them that the functions of the legislature are quite different from those of the executives; hence, a more qualified and experienced candidate is required.
“So, I want to respectfully say today that whoever we want to send to the ‘Red Chamber’ should be someone that has credibility, that has the reach to be able to articulate our needs and our expectations properly. By the special grace of God, I have been there; exposed nationally and internationally. I have worked at different positions in this country from the lowest level to the presidency. I have the experience,” Commodore Nesiama reiterated.
Continuing, he said: “Today, we have a democracy that is for sale, I mean votes or political offices that are given to the highest financial bidders, not to the highest quality bidders; there is a difference. I want to say today that we should be bold enough to say enough is enough, we must say no to vote buying; nobody can buy our votes, nobody can buy our conscience, nobody can buy our senatorial district, nobody can buy our present not even mortgage our future. If you believe in this message, my request is to help me take same to the communities,” he pleaded.
Speaking on behalf of the IDU, Professor Akpotu cited the qualities evidenced by the experience, exposure and achievements of the Commodore of Hope (as the NNPP candidate is popularly called) are the basis of their decision to support his ambition, stressing that if Nigeria is to be re-engineered for change, such a task can only be achieved with the best.
In his words: “The Red Chamber is one of the strategic points that if we have to re-tune Nigeria, if we have to re-engineer Nigeria, we need strategic drivers. So, it is not enough for us to just wake up and pick anybody to go to the Nigerian Senate. But even if that is the case for some other quarters, I want to believe that Delta South should be the leading force that should use their candidate to be able to re-engineer the Nigerian nation.
“If history is not distorted or upturned, if there is one region in the Federal Republic of Nigeria that first had an encounter with knowledge, that first had an encounter with the ‘white man’, it is the Delta South. As a result, it will be too much a disservice to our nation, it will be too odorous, it will be too much absurdity that when senators of the Federal Republic will be rising to address national issues, the one that will be addressing on behalf of Delta South will be less than mediocrity.
“So, if we are thinking of a new Nigeria where we will enjoy the dividends of democracy, where we will have a reason to enjoy all the lots that God has endowed Nigeria with, then quality must be the theme word,” he stressed.
Professor Akpotu said that Delta South must be able to focus on quality representation if it desires quality output that guarantees the dividends of democracy. Stressing further, the Professor said that “We don’t want people that when they go there, we can’t reach out to them. Automatically, they become demi-gods around us; they begin to assume a status larger than life… If we are looking forward to attracting dividends of democracy flowing from perhaps local government to the state, and then the federal, then, we must not compromise our today. If we are looking forward to having our children in quality schools, driving on good roads, economic well-being of our people, enhanced social pedigree that will make us stand tall in the comity of districts, then we must be thinking of quality from the outset,” he emphasized.
The PG of IDU commended Commodore Nesiama for rising up to the task to offer himself to represent the people of Delta South Senatorial District at the Senate while assuring him that the Isoko Nation which is not known to flatter is in support of his candidacy.
“I am happy that irrespective of all odds, you decided to throw yourself into the ring. And I will always encourage you not to be deterred. The Isoko people are not known to flatter; they are known to telling the truth the way it is. You spoke to our minds, and we prayerfully will take the word out such that as many minds that are not here will know that we have a candidate to sell, to represent us in the red chamber come 2023. We pray specially for you that God bless the whole of this effort so that the whole people of Delta South can have a reason to smile again,” he prayed.
Among those in attendance during the consultation were: Prince Desmond Ogbaudu (1st Vice PG), Chief Daniel Odhomo (2nd Vice PG), Dr. Felix Eyomatere (Sec. Gen.), Mr. Edward Obobolor (Treasurer), Sir Patrick Omaduvie (Soc. Sec.), Chief Dennis Akwakwa (Asst. Sec.), Chief Thankgod Oloyano (Asst. Soc. Sec.), Joseph Ogheneovo (Asst. Fin. Sec.), Chief Odhe Humprey, Chief Efekdokpor Edward, Chief Jonathan Adaka, Chief Adonis Obuwere, Chief (Mrs.) Maria Ubara, Prince Isaiah Ohoror, Ezekiel Igho, Ukero Othuke, among others.
