Group Faults Reasons Cited For Hon. Esievo to Contest 2027 DTHA ~ Truth Reporters

By Kelvin Ohoror 

Emede Development Initiative has faulted in totality the reasons cited by one Mr. Raphael Egbuwoku, who has urged the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Isoko Constituency 1 to give the party ticket of the Delta State House of Assembly 2027 primary election to the current Executive Director Legal Service, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Hon. Erezi Esievo.

In a statement signed by the Director General of the group Comrade Ogbere Odomero Clement stated that, "We read with utmost disappointment for the public call on Hon. Orezi Esievo, current Executive Director, Legal Services, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, to be given the Isoko South Constituency 1 APC ticket, citing the rotational norm favouring Emede to produce the next DTHA member. We view this call as being in bad taste and uncharitable to both Emede Community and Hon. Orezi herself".

The group asserted that, "The reasons cited by Mr. Egbuwoku are unreasonable and untenable, leading us to believe he may have some ulterior motives. Firstly, his argument that the constituency might produce a Speaker implies the Senator is leaving Isoko, as both positions can't be held by the same ethnic group within Delta South Senatorial District". 

The group reiterates that, Egbuwoku should note that, principal offices aren't awarded solely based on tenure. noting that Hon. Ferguson became a Majority Leader in his first term, Hon. Bernard Odior became a principal member in his first term, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori became Speaker in his first term, from which he became the current Governor after 6 years as a Speaker, stating that, these examples show merit, competence, proficiency and connect, not just tenure, determines leadership roles, 

The Emede Development Initiative further question Egbuwoku's call, on Hon. Orezi Esievo to contest, despite her not expressing aspirations, raises questions about his perception of Emede community men, adding that the community have competent individuals like: Hon. Emakpor Odogu, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Community Development who is showing so much competence in his job and visible display of eloquence and reliability, Hon. Dennis Obrogo, former two-term Secretary, Isoko South Local Government Council, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Clement Aduze, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development.

Others include: Chief Godcase Etugbo, successful businessman and Labour Party candidate in the last general election, Mr. Ichehono Ejeje, civil engineer currently showing interest in active politics, Barrister Tony Ejumejowo, legal practitioner and former DTHA aspirant, a social critic with interest in Isoko Development and Chief Henry Oduose, businessman also trying to explore the Isoko political space.

"Undermining these crops of Emede competent men to be calling on a woman who has had so much privileges in the past shows how insensitive Mr. Egbuwoku is to the growth of aspiring men of the community politically. And this also lives much to reason about his sincerity to the growth and human capital development of Emede community".

The group has urged other communities in Constituency 1 and the system to shun Egbuwoku's call, that they are suspecting a selfish agenda detrimental to Emede men.

The group noted that, "we are of the opinion that the call on Orezi to contest DTHA election in 2027 by Egbuwoku's after previously ridiculing and casting aspersion on her over allegations of projects abandonment as another ploy to ridicule her. This became obvious knowing fully well that Hon. Orezi was a strong contender in the last contest for the Federal House of Representatives".

 The group however appeal to the good people of Irri and Oleh to respect the rotational representation norm which clearly favors Emede by 2027. The community will duly present a suitable candidate, ensuring the Constituency's pride, they stated.