By Onozure Dania

Former treasurer of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Chief Mathias Otobo, has flayed the adoption and endorsement of politicians who have served for years for re-election, describing the development as pouring old wine into new bottles.

He also warned Isoko politicians to stop mortagaging the future of Isoko youths.

Speaking with Vanguard in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at a meeting of Isoko Nation Renaissance Front Worldwide, the Chairman of Michel International Group of Companies noted that there had been a general belief that the Isoko were being marginalised, explaining that the people were the ones marginalising themselves, citing the case of a former female senator, who was elected in 1999 and within a period of 48 months, she rose to the position of Chief Whip.

He said that instead of supporting her for a second tenure, some disgruntled elements in Isokoland ganged up against her and she was pulled down. “When next will the Isoko’s produce a senator?” he queried.

Otobo noted that some youths were in the past, paid to castigate the leadership of Isoko Development Union on the pages of newspapers, an act that was considered abomination in other surrounding ethnic nations.

He called on Isoko youths to take their destinies in their hands by carrying out a social revolution, and “Not allow anyone or group of persons to use them for divisive or selfish purposes in the coming general elections.”

He said: “As we approach the critical general elections and with the current state of disconnect between the politicians and the people they claim to represent in Isokoland, the IDU leadership should strive to put an end to the parade of mediocre, self centred individuals and persons who do not have the training and moral standing to lead, but keep on manipulating the system for their selfish interests.”