By: Our Reporter, Delta State.
As the 2015 general elections draws close, the Isoko Advancement Network (IAN), a socio-political pressure group in Isoko nation has called for true federalism, resource control and the enthronement of equity in the sharing of political power in the country.
The call which was made weekend by the national chairman of IAN, Hon. Mike Ogwah in Warri during the 2013 anniversary celebration of the group and interactive session of the people of Isoko nation organized by group, disclosed that the call had become imperative as it would significantly go a long way in promoting the peace and unity of the Nigerian nation, stressing that there should be true federalism and resource control in the country.
According to Ogwah “As the third largest ethnic group in Delta State and critical stakeholder in the South-South geo-political zone in the country, we (the people of Isoko nation) need to reinforce our positions on true federalism, resource control and the enthronement of equity in the sharing of political power in the country. More so, there is urgent need for us to lend our voices to the desire of President Jonathan to seek a second term in office as well as ensure that the Isoko nation plays a defining role in choosing a successor for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.”
While saying that IAN was a veritable platform aimed at promoting and agitating for the up liftment of Isoko land, the national chairman paid tribute to the patron of the group, and Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay for his unassuming leadership and for being a veritable source of inspiration to the IAN as a group and to individual members.
“Hon Leo Ogor, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and the number seven man in the country also deserves special commendation. Through him, the flag of the Isoko nation is proudly at full mast in the nation’s capital. All, as a result of the titanic contribution of this political juggernaut to his fatherland. Never before have we seen the avalanche of federal appointments, employment and siting of projects as we have seen under the direction and influence of Hon Ogor.”
Ogwah stated. In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Chief Dennis Etaluku, commended members of IAN for stabilizing the political temperature in Isoko nation, even as he noted that the political leaders in the area have provided an enduring political leadership for the people of Isoko ethnic nationality.
Also speaking, the Deputy Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Leo Ogor who expressed appreciation to members of IAN for packaging the interactive session for people of Isoko nation, gave account of his stewardship during the ceremony which was attended by Isoko sons and daughters in Warri and different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, as part of their empowerment programme for the people of Isoko ethnic nationality in Delta State, the Isoko political leaders gave a grant of N5 million to women of Isoko extraction in Warri under the Isoko Development Union (IDU) to float a cooperative society that would boost their business enterprises. Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay presented the N5 million cheque to members of the Board of Trustees set up to manage the fund on behalf of the Isoko political leaders. Presenting the cheque, Macaulay said that the gesture was to enhance the socio-economic well-being of Isoko women in Warri whose creative entrepreneuring skills were being inhibited by inadequacy of fund.
“Beneficiaries of the grant were not expected to pay back to those of us that contributed the money; we have created a platform for them to have access to fund that would enable them to improve on their businesses without going through the normal rigorous process of getting a loan”, he said, adding that they should form themselves into result-oriented cooperative movement to enable them access the N5 million grant.
While saying that the Isoko Interactive Session had provided a veritable platform for elected and appointed political office holders in Isoko nation to give their account of stewardship, Macaulay applauded members of IAN for their initiative, even as he called on the people of Isoko to remain supportive of the policies and programmes of the state government.
In an interview with journalists, the President of the women’s wing of Isoko Development Union in Warri, Mrs. Maria Ideghe who was visibly overwhelmed with joy, expressed appreciation to the SSG and other political leaders in Isoko nation for their unwavering commitment towards the wellbeing of the people of Isoko ethnic nationality, just as she assured that the money would be used for the purpose for which it was granted.
