By Paul Olayemi

On New Year’s Day, Chief London Akpanoko, Chairman of the Ethiope West Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reconciliation Committee, hosted a gathering at his country home in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area in Delta State. The event brought together committee members, political allies, and associates to celebrate and discuss various matters, including expressions of appreciation and grievances.

During the meeting, committee members expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewori, for his notable achievements since taking office. They commended his efforts in appointing capable individuals to key positions, improving healthcare, commissioning roads, and awarding contracts for infrastructure development across the state including the positive projects being carried out in State.

However, amidst the expressions of appreciation, committee members also voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting that the committee had not been recognized since its inauguration by the local government party chairman, Chief Solomon Obareki.

The PDP reconciliation committee in Ethiope West, they noted, was established to address grievances and reconcile all aggrieved party members within the region ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Taking their responsibilities seriously, they said the committee promptly commenced their work after the inauguration mobilizing funds through personal donations and contributions, amounting to hundreds of thousands, to ensure the success of their reconciliation efforts.

They narrated that the committee actively engaged with several aggrieved members, resolving conflicts and misunderstandings among party members who had supported different aspirants.

They said, “It is disheartening for the members, who dedicated their personal resources, time, and energy to work for the party, not to receive recognition till date, while, those who were reconciled were acknowledged, appointed to positions, and given recognition.”

Hon. Atueyi Ogheneochuko Isaac, one of the aspirants for the Ethiope West House of Assembly election 2022/2023 and the secretary to the Ethiope West Reconciliation Committee emphasized the importance of recognizing the committee’s significant work for posterity. He, however called on the Governor, who may not be aware of the committee’s achievements, to extend his support and appreciation.

Other committee members, including Hon. Johnbull Abobo, Chief Edafe, and Pastor German Okefe, echoed the same sentiment, urging party leaders and Ethiope West local government representatives to recognize and appreciate the commendable work carried out by the PDP reconciliation committee. They emphasized that committees that self-mobilize and demonstrate dedication to the party’s well-being deserve acknowledgment.

During their reconciliation efforts, the committee had engaged with notable individuals such as High Chief Duncan Eghwere, Chief Philomena Ededey, High Chief Afighi, High Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, Hon. Kingsley Akpeninor, and residents of Ekuodo Community in Mosogar Kingdom, among other aggrieved persons in the Ethiope West local government area.

Chief London Akpanoko, the chairman of the PDP reconciliation committee, expressed gratitude to everyone who showed concern for the committee’s well-being and its members. He acknowledged that expressing dissatisfaction is a natural occurrence in a democratic society and emphasized the importance of rewarding and recognizing those who have worked diligently. Chief Akpanoko likened the PDP reconciliation committee in Ethiope West to the biblical Moses, who led the children of Israel out of Egypt, stating that they had fought a good fight and emerged victorious. He assured the members that he would convey their grievances to the Local Government Area (LGA) party chairmen and other respected party leaders in Ethiope West, including Chief Solomon Obareki and Hon. Stephen Aghelegin, with the hope that the message would reach the attentive ears of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The meeting concluded with a delightful feast and refreshments, capturing memorable moments through photographs. Those present at the gathering were Chief London Akpanoko (Chairman), Hon. Atueyi O. Isaac (Secretary), Hon. Johnbull Abobo (Member), Chief Edafe Ovbigho (Member), and Pastor German Okofe (Member).