Ukodhiko Urges Isoko North PDP Leaders and Aspirants to Prioritize Unity Over Discord in LG Polls”

By Ajiri-Oghene Oreh

Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko has urged leaders and chairmanship aspirants of the People Democratic Party in Isoko North Local Government Area to eschew rancor and politics of bitterness while going about their interests and aspirations.

Rep. Ukodhiko gave the charge on Sunday at his Erawha-Owhe countryhome when he hosted the leadership of the Isoko North chapter of the PDP, reiterating his desire of a united and effective party.

The House of Representatives member enjoined the party leaders to work together as one people with the interests and unity of the Peoples Democratic Party at hearts.

He said: “There are a lot of activities that would take place very soon, especially with regards to the Local Government Council elections and the structure of our great party, the PDP that will be put together.

“Thus, I want to appeal to each and every of us today, let us not allow it to tear us apart in anyway. Let us come out of the elections without any form of rancor.”

Hon. Ukodhiko noted that, “The party has not come up with the programme, the time and how to handle the chairmanship elections and the party structure. Based on that, I feel whatever we are doing, let us moderate them for now.

“Let us be calm. Anybody that has interest or ambition let him or her go about it peacefully without any form of destroying or pulling anyone down.

“In a situation whereby my name is been dropped, portraying I have a candidate already or I’m carrying someone to places of which I have not done, please let us desist from it.

“Anyone that have an ambitious should pursue it. In truth, a lot of persons have consulted me, and they know what I have told each of them.

“When the time comes for the elections, the leadership will sit and they will do the needful. At the end of the day we will come out stronger.

“I also want you people to know the party has a leader who is the Governor of the State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori; we are supporting and working with to ensure his administration go on smoothly and peacefully.

“For me, as the highest PDP political office holder in Isoko I can’t work at cross-purposes with a sitting-Governor. Which means we will continue to liaise and work amicably with His Excellency to make sure when the time for the election comes there are no rancor within Isoko-nation, Isoko North Local Government Area in particular.”

The Isoko federal lawmaker called on the leaders and chairmanship aspirants of the People Democratic Party to be objective, assuring that, “Leadership will look at all agitations objectively. I know we will come out stronger and more united.

“I believe, those of us as the party leaders, we should conduct ourselves constructively. As leaders, let us moderate our interests in such a way that it does not bring crisis.” He encouraged.

Rep. Ukodhiko, who is the Deputy Chairman Houss Committee on Science and Technology, disclosed that, members of the party who had earlier defected to other political parties during the last elections are willing and ready to return and work for the growth of the PDP.

“The leadership and executive of our party in the LGA are working round the clock to see that our former members return and they are ready to return to the party. And soon, we will call another enlarged meeting to welcome back our former members to the PDP.” Ukodhiko added.

The meeting was attended by the member representing Isoko North Constituency, Hon Bernard Odior, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, DESOPADEC, Chief Kome Okpobor and the Chairman, PDP, Isoko North Chapter, Elder Godwin Ogorugba.

Others were Governing Board chairmen, Drs. Emmanuel Okoro and Paul Oweh, immediate past member representing Isoko North Constituency, Hon. Jude Ogbimi, former Council Chairmen; Philip Adheke, Ovie Oghoore, Emmanuel Edevor and Christian Iteire.

Drs. Patrick Akporuno, Evelyn Aluta, and Peter Emaziye, Comrade Zino Onaemor, Hon. Jaswil Asaba, Felix Ofou, Mike Ogwah, Nelson Ejakpovi, Daniel Tutumor, Isaac Atikueke, Jonathan Umukoro, Ofejiro Okpakpor, Emmanuel Erhire, Peter Odunwa, Daniel Omita, Nelson Egware, Vote Umukoro, Joseph Otheremu, Peter Ibiri, Frank Ozue, Engr. Odhegolor, Rev Godspower Agbaduta, Prince Ufuoma Murphy, Chiefs Festus Akponovo, Matthew Amudede Idisi, Ovie, G. Itobi and Prosper Erah amongst others.