Ukodhiko Consults Isoko North and South APC Executives, Presents Scorecard, Seeks Support for Second Term

The Member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Pst. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has continued his round of consultations with party leaders, meeting with Local Government and Ward executives of the All Progressives Congress in both Isoko North and Isoko South LGAs.

The consultative engagements took place at the APC Secretariats in Ozoro and Oleh, where he addressed party officials following the conclusion of the ward and local government congresses. At both meetings, he congratulated the newly elected executives, noting that their emergence was not accidental but a reflection of the confidence reposed in them by the party to provide leadership and deliver electoral success in Isoko.

Speaking to the gathering, Ukodhiko stated that his visit was to formally seek their support ahead of the 2027 general elections, pointing out that he still has over a year in office to consolidate on ongoing efforts. He maintained that based on his contributions so far, he is seeking the opportunity to return for a second term in order to complete ongoing initiatives.

In presenting an abridged account of his performance, the lawmaker disclosed that he has so far sponsored and supported about twelve bills and two motions in the National Assembly, adding that some of these interventions have already attracted attention from the Federal Government.

On constituency development, he stated that over ₦1.3 billion has been channelled into projects and empowerment programmes within the two years and ten months in office with verifiable records of projects and beneficiaries across Isoko North and South Federal Constituency, with over ₦3 billion worth of projects and empowerment programmes still awaiting execution due to budget delay.

He added that classroom blocks have been constructed and equipped in schools, alongside interventions in the health sector across the constituency.

Ukodhiko also highlighted a scholarship scheme under which ten students are currently studying professional courses such as medicine, pharmacy, law, and engineering at Madonna University. According to him, the beneficiaries were selected purely on merit, with no prior personal relationship. He explained that about ₦15 – 25 million is spent per academic session on the programme, which will continue until the students complete their studies.

Providing insight into funding realities, he noted that his first year in office was tied to a budget already passed before he was inaugurated. He states his first budget was the 2024 appropriation, where each member was given an envelope of ₦200 million worth of project nomination as statutory budget and ₦113 million for Zonal Intervention Projects, which he described as insufficient for major infrastructural development for the two Local Government Areas in Isoko.

He, however, pointed to additional funding through extensive lobbying and engagement with relevant agencies and ministries and was able to increase the 2024 budget allocation to about ₦1.2 billion.

He further disclosed that under the 2025 budget, which is yet to be funded, project nomination allocation rose to ₦1 billion per member, with Zonal Intervention funds remaining at ₦113 million.

Through concerted efforts and lobbying, the budget provision for Isoko North and South Federal Constituency was increased to a total of over ₦4 billion. Despite the National budget funding delay, projects such as the Fred Obe Road erosion control, the Otor-Owhe water rehabilitation project, and the upgrade from 11kVA to 33kVA of Owhe clan communities (which is completed but experiencing connection challenges with the distribution company), the medical outreach on cancer screening and eye treatment, and empowerment on stud, bead, and cufflinks making were completed.

On personal commitment, Ukodhiko stated that while his official monthly earnings stand at about ₦12 million, he spends between ₦20 million to ₦45 million monthly on constituents’ needs, including school fees, medical support, and welfare assistance. He explained that these additional funds are sourced through his former company where he worked, support from friends, associates, and partners, channelled through the UJA FAMILY FOUNDATION, with records maintained for accountability.

He used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking difficult yet gainful economic decisions, which he said are gradually improving the economy, while also appealling to party executives to support him, whether through consensus or direct primaries.

He also commended the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, whom he referred to as the workaholic Governor and his leader, for providing leadership in the state and for the wonderful work he’s doing in Delta State, and called on the party executives to continue to give him their support.

Ukodhiko emphasised that his approach to politics remains centred on unity, forgiveness, and cooperation. He cautioned party members against adopting unnecessary hostility, advising followers not to inherit conflicts between leaders, noting that such disputes are often resolved at higher levels.

He further stated that if given another opportunity, his focus would be on completing ongoing work, adding that he has no intention of seeking a third term. He also assured the executives that a structured approach would be adopted to ensure that party organs at ward and local government levels are carried along.

Responding on behalf of the Isoko North executives, Hon. Anthony Odhe, former Vice Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council and Assistant Organising Secretary of the party in the area, commended the lawmaker for his efforts so far. He, however, urged him to extend support further to disadvantaged but intelligent children across remote communities.

Both Local Government leaders also pledged support for Ukodhiko’s re-election bid, offering prayers for his success and continued strength as he pursues his political aspirations.

The meetings ended on a note of mutual understanding, with renewed emphasis on party unity and cooperation as political activities ahead of 2027 continue to unfold.