I did say in the last but one edition of this magazine that for tactical reasons, I would not like to dwell too much on the issue of Delta Governorship in 2007 as it affects the Itsekiri interest. Now, I guess is the time to put things in perspective. Others may decide to keep quiet, sit on the fence or even talk mainly from the stand point of self interest but as a media practitioner who represents the faceless Itsekiri man (and woman) on the street, I owe it as a duty not to perpetually suspend my agenda- setting responsibility to our target audience. Need I remind readers that the opinion expressed in this column is personal to me and certainly not that of Warri Mirror.
Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, no doubt is about making history as the second Itsekiri man to govern a post-indepndent State in Nigeria. Incidentally, the first Itsekiri Governor in this contest was Uduaghan’s Father -in-law, Brig. General Sunny E. Tuoyo (Rtd), who was one time Military Administrator of Ondo State.
Uduaghan’s candidacy in the PDP, is a tricky one for the Itsekiri nation. This much I will try to explain within the available space allocated to this column. In fact, to majority of the Itsekiri people, Uduaghan’s victory at the PDP primaries and the seeming cruising to victory in the April polls, is like messing into their mouth and at the same time pouring salt into it. The mess, they cannot swallow; the salt, they cannot spit out. That is the true picture of things except we are deceiving ourselves and I guess this is not the time for that, at least for posterity sake.
If you ask me, as far as PDP is concerned in Delta State, Itsekiri members of the party must and should do everything to ensure that Uduaghan becomes the next Governor of the state because the direct opposite of this, may spell doom for the Itsekiri nation in the political scheme of things as from May 2007. Ibori and Uduaghan must work this out even though I know and like I said before, that Ibori is playing the Uduaghan card for his own selfish interest and not because he loves the Itsekiri people. In fact, Ibori is the worst thing that has ever happened to the Itsekiri people ( and to a reasonable extent, Deltans) and their enviable history. This is not a matter of being antagonistic or confrontational; it is a matter of speaking the truth, no matter the personal interest of some individuals.
I say PDP (especially Ibori and Itsekiris in it)must ensure Uduaghan’s victory at least for the sake of the political relevance of the Itsekiri people, because so much and too much have been conceded on behalf of the Itsekiri people, without their consent, by the so called Itsekiri leaders in PDP, all of them; no exception. This include the ones who have now crossed to other parties and those on self exile, politically. Itsekiri interest was gradually but steadily being mortgaged for their individual interests from 1999 to date and now ultimately for the interest of one individual; Uduaghan.
Make no mistake about it, no Itsekiri man, including myself will wish for Uduaghan or any other qualified Itsekiri man (or woman) not to be Governor. In fact, as a person, I believe strongly in power shiftin the interest of equity, justice and fair play. I used the machinery at my disposal to campaign and work for this idea of power shift to Delta South like every other person. Dr. Uduaghan himself can testify to this , if he must be sincere. I said it in prints long ago that my own idea of power shift to Delta South is that it must shift to the Itsekiri, for obvious reasons.
However, my idea of power shift to Itsekiri is not for anybody to negotiate and trade-off all that the Itsekiri people stand for. Like I said, this trade-off started long ago and it has been very systematic. Ibori has done so much injustice to the Itsekiri nation. The Itsekiri people in and around his satanic two-term, have no moral justification to talk now. They are part of it because they never spoke against such vindictiveness on the Itsekiri people, neither did they have the courage of honourably resigning.
The trade-off started with the relocation of the headquarters of Warri South West LGA from Ogidigben to Ogbe- Ijaw, the Speakership position after the death of Hon. Francis Megbele, the 10-12 wards palaver in Warri South, the sell-out of Warri South Constituency II, arbitrary ward creation in Warri, the CDC evil, trade off of the Senate position to James Manager for the second time after betraying Chief Adolo Okotie Eboh, appointment of Wellington Okirika as Chairman of the newly inaugurated 13% derivation Committee which is against the spirit of the Bill passed into law which prescribes that the Chairmanship is by oil production quantum (with this Bill, Itsekiri ought to be the Chairman), the ceding of Itsekiri lands and oil wells to Ondo all for Ibori to please Obasanjo, negotiating the LGA Chairmanship position for Urhobo and Ijaw in Warri South and South-West respectively, preventing displaced Itsekiri communities to re-settle in their lands after the so called end of the Warri Crisis (e.g Ijaghala community) and so on and so forth. The trade-off is so much and unprecedented that one can not readily recall all. All this is built into the Uduaghan for PDP Governorship agenda.
Do you now see why I say that as far as PDP as a party is concerned, Uduaghan must remain the candidate and indeed rallied round to ensure he becomes the substantive Governor? By now, I know that Uduaghan knows that there is nothing you can do for the Okumagbas and Clarks of this world that will satisfy them. Uduaghan has done everything to be more Urhobo than the real Urhobos as part of the agenda. However, the Urhobos have clearly told him that the butterfly may fly but it can never be a bird, never! It is ironical that the same Itsekiri who have been neglected over the years are now the only reliable and trustworthy support base for Uduaghan today. That, of course is life. I however hope that Uduaghan will at least remember Abiugborodo, Ode-Itsekiri and Koko, if he gets to his kingdom.
As things stand today, Uduaghan is the property of the ruling party, PDP and it is their duty to ensure victory for him and by implication the PDP . Uduaghan as a gubernatorial candidate, has grown beyond ethnic affinities but that does not mean he should not put his primary Constituency (Itsekiri) in order. With good and sincere networking, even Itsekiris in other political parties may not only vote for him but actually work for him . I know that party primaries is quite different from general elections. Uduaghan, through his political structure only need to genuinely reach out to his kinsmen who have every reason to be pissed off with him and his vindictive and exclusive followership.
This is a defining moment for Itsekiris. It is very sad that as a nation, we have no plan ‘B’, just in case this PDP project fails. Where are the Rewanes and Okotie-Eboh of our time? Oh! ‘ale jefun; No more cor-ordinated political direction for Itsekiri nation. It is in this light that I commend the courage of all Itsekiris in the Action Congress (AC) and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), for staying put in these parties and at least marking the presence of Itsekiri therein. We certainly cannot afford to put all our eggs in one basket. Therefore, Itsekiris in AC, DPP, ANPP etc should not be viewed with contempt as they campaign for their party’s gubernatorial candidates. This is a good omen for us as an ethnic nationality.
Come to think of it, are most Itsekiris clamouring for Uduaghan today not in the real sense, prisoners of their own conscience, absolutely ruled by sentiments? Or is it merely all about the spirit of ‘Mogbeyitenren and ‘Tonukanrin’? I leave you to answer these questions after a critical analysis of Ibori’s disservice to the Itsekiri nation and Delta State.
So much for the Governorship. For other positions, I still insist that Itsekiris should not vote for political parties but for individuals in the different political parties. It just must be all about Itsekiri Peoples Party. If you ask me, the PDP has failed us and as such must be voted out. I believe that we need a change in terms of representatives of the Itsekiri nation at all levels. What we cannot get as a result of our limited number should be adequately compensated with the qualify of our representation for various political and indeed public positions. Those the PDP are presently fielding for the Delta House of Assembly, Senate and the House of Reps, do not represent this much desired change. I am not talking about party here, I am talking about the persons, moreso when most of such persons have failed to distinguish themselves these past years in their various positions as Itsekiri representatives. That is why we must look at the person going for a particular position and view him or her from what he has done both within and outside Itsekiri. For the Delta House of Assembly, we need a crack team of four men who hopefully will give Uduaghan the undivided home support as the Executive governor. This isn’t about party, and Uduaghan, in the general Itsekiri interest should appreciate this. Let there be contest and let the electorates make their choice. The Itsekiri people know those they want as representatives. No imposition by PDP, please!
Now, let me take the various seats one after the other vis-a-vis those contesting, starting with the Delta State House of Assembly:
Warri South Constituency I: The main contenders for this seat is the PDP candidate, Mrs Omawumi Udoh and the AC candidate, Mr. Sunny Alomer Idundun. I don’t like speaking from both sides of the mouth, Mrs Omawumi Udoh has no business going back to that seat again, after four years of misrepresentation. It is clear, she cannot handle things on the floor of the House. Only God knows why Uduaghan and Ibori want her back there at all cost. The House of Assembly is far beyond hair dressing, cosmetology, beautician, organizing Xmas party for hungry children etc. It is all about law making and oversight functions. It is all about standing firm for the defense of your constituency when the need arises. This much Omawu Beatrice Udoh did not do these past four years. For example, the entire world know how the Okere people value their ‘Awankere’ (Okere juju) and ‘Eleghe’ festivals. Omawu Udoh refused to identify with both festival because according to her, “they are fetish”. Yet, Okere is her primary constituency and she is indeed from of the House to cancel these Festivals our dear Omawu Udoh will not oppose it! Other examples abound. Therefore, she does not deserve a second term. Mr. Idundun looks more prepared and determined. Itsekiris should vote massively for him in the interest of change and proper representation.
Warri Constituency II: This is the seat Ibori, Uduaghan and other Itsekiris in PDP, sold out to Denis Omovie in 2003.This is the time to regain that seat. Dr. Uduaghan did not only take Omovie to the Palace but even had the effrontely and guts to introduce him as the PDP candidate for the seat, to His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri; right inside his palace with his Chiefs, and other PDP members and the entire Uduaghan entourage as witness. What Dr. Uduaghan pointedly told the Warri Monarch, in my view is: “Baba, Part of your Kingdom has been ceded to Okumagba and his people. You are no longer in control of the area so ceded. This (Omovie) is the man representing that area now. Be warned!”. What else could be more insulting to the Warri Monarch and by implication to the entire Itsekiri nation? I insist that Itsekiris and their friends in the constituency (Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo etc.) should vote for the AC candidate, Amaju Ogbobine, since PDP fielded the same Omovie, and other major opposition parties (DPP, ANPP, etc.) fielded other Urhobos. This is one injustice done to the Itsekiri that must be corrected now.
Warri North Constituency: I think there are three major candidates for this seat viz: Dr. Ayo Ayomike (AC,) Mrs Irene Imilar (PDP) and Mr. Eugene Eyube (DPP). If you ask me, they are all good candidates who I believe will not disappoint their constituency and Itsekiri if elected. Therefore, I propose a fair contest and not the imposition of either of the three on the electorates. However, I am of the opinion that Mrs Imiler would have done well as a replacement for Mr. Michael Diden (a.k.a Ejele), the discredited Chairman of Warri North LGA. From what I see in her, she seem to be a good administrator who would be more relevant as a council boss. I don’t think it is too late for the Itsekiri political leadership (is there any?) to look in this direction. Otherwise, let Itsekiris and Ijaws in the constituency vote for their choice without imposition or intimidation.
Warri South West Constituency: Barr. Dan Mayuku of the PDP is presently occupying this seat and indeed has the mandate of his party to run for the second term. Dan is (was?) my friend but I must say I am very much disappointed in him. He demonstrated clearly that he is in the House squarely to take orders from Ibori and Uduaghan and to make money.
I feel so pained because as a lawyer, he ought to know what being in the House is all about. He however missed the point. He demonstrated that he does not have the required strength of character to represent us at that level. I hope he will change if re-elected. However, I am aware that he has a senior colleague to contend with. I am talking about Barr. Austin Oboroegbeyi, the DPP candidate for the seat and no doubt a good sell. There is also one Hanson of AC for same seat. For me, these are all Itsekiris, let there be a free and fair contest and let the will of the electorates prevail.
House of Reps(Warri Federal Constituency): This is an exclusive seat reserved for the Itsekiri in the Federal House of Representatives. The seat is vacant because the present occupant of the seat, Hon Temi Harriman is gunning for, and rightly too, the Delta South Senatorial seat in the Senate. I must confess here that were Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje not stoped (by Ibori/Uduaghan) from picking the PDP ticket for this seat, I would personally have campaigned for him. It is clear that among the three of them in the House (including Mrs Udoh and Mayuku), Misan Ukubeyinje distinguished himself by standing firmly with the Itsekiri position when it mattered most. Examples abound. This is why Ibori allegedly vowed that over his dead body would Misan get to the House of Reps. Misan’s only sin was that he consistently opposed Ibori’s evil agenda against the Itsekiri people. The rest is now history but I know that Hon. Misan Ukubeyinje has a very bright political future. I advise him not to compromise by teaming up with Ibori’s evil squad.
This leaves the fight for the seat squarely between Ibori/Uduaghan’s choice in the PDP, Daniel Reyenieju and the Itsekiri choice in AC, Mrs Patricia Dede Otuedon-Arawore. Apart from the fact that Mrs. Otuedon-Arawore is glaringly the best and most suited to replace Temi Harriman in the House of Reps,Mr. Reyenieju has not demonstrated that he can be trusted with the Itsekiri slot at that level. I have said this before, I am only re-echoing it.
As the President of the Itsekiri National Youth Council (whatever that means,) his achievement was the leading of a very destructive squad to the homes of notable Itsekiri opinion leaders like Chief Isaac Jemide, Mr. J.O.S. Ayomike and Chief Gabriel Mabiaku, to embarrass them over some money safely kept by the leaders for the use of Itsekiri nation. No sooner was the money released to the invading Reyenieju and his youths, than it grew wings. This same character cannot and should not be encouraged to move to the House of Reps. This is apart from the fact that he lacks the experience and required pannache to represent us on the floor of the House of Reps.
I also know that most of the chaps (Youths), became emergency millionaires during and after the Ibori engendered Warri crisis. At the appropriate time, I for instance have some questions to ask them on the over ninety million naira of Ugborodo money in their care. This is an issue for the EFCC when the time comes. I am an Ugborodo man and I have my facts.
During the heat of the unfortunate killing of the late Sunny Deghele by suspected armed robbers, notable Itsekiri opinion leader, Chief (Mrs)Rita Lori-Ogbebor, waded into the matter with a view to uniting a divided house as a result of the unfortunate incident. She had cause to contact Mr Reyenieju but got the shock of her life. Daniel told her pointedly that he is more interested in the survival and unity of his immediate family and how to make more money; than carrying Itsekiri matter on his head. Chief Rita Lori is still living to confirm this to anybody who cares. In fact, she cried when she narrated the story to me in an interview which was published in one of the editions of Warri Mirror. She even laid a curse on him. I wonder why this same Reyenieju now wants to represent the same Itsekiri he cannot carry on his head! The reason is simple - for self interest!
In the light of all this and since my dear Reyenieju has not purged himself of these offences, I doubt if Itsekiri should trust him with such a national position. This clearly and rightly puts the AC candidate, Patricia Dede Otuedon-Arawore, far above him; PDP or not.
The Senate: This is a simple matter. The Itsekiri, Ijaw and Isoko have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among themselves to rotate the seat on a single term basis. Isoko (Stella Omu) had it; Ijaw (James Manager) have it; it is the turn of Itsekiri to have it. Hon Temi Harriman, AC candidate for the seat, is the only Itsekiri in the race. She should be voted for massively by all and sundry. Thank God, Chief E.K. Clark openly admitted that it is the turn of the Itsekiri to produce the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District. The MoU between the Ijaws, Isokos and Itsekiris, is independent of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s gubernatorial ambition. It has nothing to do with it. Things must be viewed from this perspective by all peace-loving people of the Senatorial district. The same Itsekiri sentiment for Uduaghan must apply to Temi and Amaju Ogbogbine.
The 3 Warri LGAs: I’ll wait for next edition to comment further on this, since the election is not taking place immediately. However, let me quickly say, just like I did before that the Chairmanship of the 3 LGAs must go to Itsekiris. Secondly, the present chairmen should not dream of re-contesting, otherwise, they will be calling the entire Itsekiri nation fools. Let’s even think of it, should Uduaghan become Governor, does he want to be Governor of one Local Government (Warri North) as his primary constituency? This is because we are hearing that they have negotiated out Warri South and South West to our neighbours, for the Governorship dream to work. To me, this is preposterous, selfish and very unpatriotic. It is this same selfishness that made them impose the LGA Chairmen in the 3 Warris on us. I wonder if Ibori or indeed Dr. Uduaghan would have any of those characters as a supervisor in any of their private business. Yet, they see nothing wrong in selecting them as Chairmen in Warri LGAs. And, running an LGA is more complex than running a private business! Indeed, these people love the Itsekiri nation!
For the Presidency it will be suicidal for Itsekiri to vote for the Yar‘Adua/Goodluck Jonathan ticket in PDP. We certainly will be blocked out of the Presidency with Mr. Goodluck there. Our best option is the Atiku/Senator Obi ticket of AC or any alliance therefrom. Anything outside this is suicide. Be warned! ‘Aja mo kin aghan’.
