Isoko Nation Stands Still As Former Delta SSG, Macaulay Hosts Ibori, Makes Case For Isoko Minister

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Immediate past Secretary to the Delta state Government, (SSG), and veteran labour leader, Ovuozourie Macaulay, last week Saturday advocated the appointment of an Isoko son or daughter as a Minister or chairman of a viable federal board.

Mr. Macaulay who made the call while hosting the former governor of Delta state, James Ibori to a grand reception at Owhelogbo, Isoko North local government area of the state, lamented the marginalisation of the Isoko nation.

“When will an Isoko man be named
a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and when will an Isoko man chair a viable federal board?, pointing out that since 1999 till date, apart from the four years of Senator Stella Omu, Isoko people have never been given a federal appointment in spite of “Our high level contributions to electoral victories and revenue accruing to Nigeria from oil” praying that the Isoko people were looking forward for help to remedy the situation.

Ibori, Uduaghan, Okowa, Macaulay, Elue, Ogomudia, and Oshomhole cutting the unity cake during the reception for Ibori

Macaulay, the Okiroro (Wisdom Activator), of Isoko nation as fondly called by his people, eulogised Mr. Ibori who he said gave him the opportunity of moving from labour union to the mainstream politics of Delta state, adding that, the Isoko people have held various positions in the state government.

Macaulay, one time Delta state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), advised Isoko people to begin to build bridges across ethnic, political and religious borders even as he thanked the two former governors of the state, Ibori and Uduaghan for reposing so much confidence in him to served in their administrations.

In his remark, the former governor of Delta state, James Ibori, poured encomiums on Ovuozourie Macaulay for taking time and resources to honour him and admonished politicians that “When you are elected or appointed into office, it is expected that you carry the burden of your people. You must speak for them.”

While praising the immediate past SSG for always speaking for his people, Ibori said “Macaulay is one man that has shown commitment and is ever willing and eager to make his people happy. Each time he has a chance, he is always concerned with the issues affecting his people. That’s why he was able to impact positively on his community, Isoko and Delta in general.”

Also speaking, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa admonished the political class to promote peace and unity amongst the people and see themselves as brothers irrespective of political or ethnic affiliations.

Mr. Okowa described Ibori as a leader with a difference and one who has succeeded in building human and one political structure, adding that Ibori made a solid foundation for his predecessors to build on.

Also, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, noted that Ibori has impacted positively on the politics of the country and warned politicians to desist from pull-him-down syndrome and respect leadership at all levels. “Chief James Ibori is up and he will never go down again.”, describing Macaulay as an embodiment of an astute politician.

On his part, the immediate governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomole congratulated Ovuzorie Macaulay for his steadfast loyalty and appreciation for the benevolence of

Ibori adding that former governor Ibori made history by fighting for resource control and called on politicians to put aside party affiliation and form a united front in addressing the challenges confronting the people.

“Ibori as a bridge builder across all divides, popularized and mobilized for the struggle for resource control at a time most governors from the Niger Delta were afraid to fight for the course. Ibori’s footprints are everywhere.”

Mr. Oshiomhole who attributed Macaulay’s unalloyed loyalty to his experience in trade unionism, advised politicians to learn to use their offices to better the lives of the people and communities even as he told the people of Isoko nation that their dream of getting ministerial and other federal appointments could only come to fruition if they join forces with the All Progressives Congress, APC.

“Macaulay asked a question and I think Macaulay was being unfair to Ibori. The question he asked you was actually directed at Governor Okowa. When will an Isoko man become a Minister? Valid question, I give it to him. Why not? When will an Isoko man become chairman of NPA? Why not?

“But Macaulay you know the truth as a man of struggle, the system that benefits from the situation where an Isoko man has not
been a Minister or Chairman of a federal board that system cannot change. So, to change that system you have to join the forces of change”.

Thunderous ovation followed Oshiomhole’s speech as the crowd applauded in agreement with his submission. “I have the answer” Oshiomhole continued. “Halleluiah, I have the answer, I got the answer. I told Okowa that the only way he can prove me wrong is that today, he has to announce an Isoko man as the chairman of a major federal board or appoint an Isoko man as a Minister, if he doesn’t we will do so provided you (the Isoko people) do what you have to do”.

Another loud applause, long ovation followed Oshiomhole’s challenge to Okowa and assurance of hope to the Isoko people who yelled and hailed Oshiomhole.

Taking turns to speak, Uduaghan, Okowa nor Ibori reacted to the Oshiomhole challenge.

The ceremony which was chaired by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia (Rtd), was attended by former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Benjamin Elue, Senator James Manager, Senator Patrick Osakwe, former speaker, Delta house of Assembly, Victor Ochei, Former Acting Governor, Sam Obi, former Sports commissioner, Solomon Ogba, traditional rulers, religious leaders, former and present house of Assembly members, commissioners, and other top government functionaries from within and outside the state, youths, political groups and cultural groups amongst others.

 

Story was anchored by our Lagos Chief Correspondent, RICHARD OLUWA and supported by our Edo Bureau Chief, Albert Osarho

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