• Says IDU Ought To Be Nuetral, Not Partisan

By Egufe Yafugborhi

ASABA – ISOKO people in Delta state have urged their apex unifying organ, the Isoko Development Union (IDU) to remain neutral and shun unilateral endorsement of politicians from the area aspiring to contest for various seats in coming 2027 general elections.

The people under the umbrella of the Isoko Development Network (IDN) raised the concern in resentment of recent public statement by the President General (PG) of the IDU, Prof Chris Akpotu, declaring Isoko nation’s endorsement of Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for a second term as Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District.

Ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, the IDU PG at a gathering of party supporters of Sen Joel in Emede, Isoko South Local Government Area, had declared Isoko nation’s endorsement of the incumbent Senator for a second term in response to voice vote.

In the objection expressed by Igho Anthony Monina on behalf of the IDN, the people said the IDU had, “Failed entire Isoko people and breached the IDU Constitution when the PG endorsed a candidate in an election where there are other worthy sons of Isokos aspiring.

“As PG of the apex pan Isoko socio-cultural organization and a Professor, he ought to understand that more than ever, he is in a fiduciary responsibility and must exercise abundant discretion to remain neutral and fair to every Isoko son and daughter vying for position regardless of political affiliation.

“His role is to provide prayers and keep fatherly relationship with Isoko candidates. The recent development appears transactional because it is alien to the Isoko people that a candidate for an election will have the PG, IDU come to his sitting room to endorse him for an election.

“That wasn’t only an abuse of the sacred and esteemed office of the IDU President by Akpotu, but also a clear disrespect for the Isoko people by Sen Joel. Now that he (Akpotu) has used his office to endorse the incumbent Senator, will he also endorse the other candidates?

“We have over four candidates for House of Representatives and 13 or more for the House of Assembly. He will have to endorse all of them. On behalf of other well-meaning stakeholders, IDN takes exception to the said decision of IDU.

“Categorically, the prayers of the overwhelming majority of Isoko stakeholders are very simple and direct. Therefore, IDN call on the IDU President to effectively and immediately call a meeting of Isoko leaders (traditional, political and religious) to explain how he came to the conclusion that entire Isoko endorsed Sen Joel.

“Apologize to the Isoko people and withdraw such endorsement as premature and of no effect. Commit to focusing on the development of the interest of Isoko people and conduct self in a manner befitting of the PG of Isoko.

“Take steps to present peculiar challenges of Isoko people to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu instead of dragging entire IDU into politics of division.”

Monina urged Isoko people, home and abroad and, “brothers and sisters of Izon, Iwere and Urhobos heritage in Delta South and Nigeria in general to disregard the pedestrian and kindergarten endorsement by the President of the IDU.

“We count on all to continuously support aspirations of Isoko people to return back to the Senate and at the appropriate time candidates of Isoko will emerge through known democratic process. We continue to seek your support in this regard.”