Isoko North PDP and the Gulf of Leadership

By Nero Emona

There seems to be no end in sight to the rift tearing apart the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in Isoko north local government, as recent outing by the member representing Isoko federal constituency at the national assembly, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor shreds the thought of any settlement.

Accompanied by only members of the Unity group, which represents one of the factions, Hon. Ogor, on Tuesday the 20th of July paid a condolence visit to the wife of the late state house of assembly legislator, Hon. Kenneth Ogba, who until his death represented the good people of Isoko south constituency 1.

Ordinarily, the visit should not be interpreted beyond what it was, a “condolence visit” but politically, it bears some dangerous weights, considering the caption of the report of the meeting tagging it as a visit of “Isoko north leaders” when the leader of Isoko north at the state level, Hon. Jude Ogbimi and other bigwigs like Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, Comrade Macauley, Hon Phillip Adheke and so many other stakeholders of the party were conspicuously missing.

Following the call for a “ceasefire” by the leadership of the party at the state level, it was expected that Hon. Leo, who is largely believed to be the leader of Isoko, would provide the needed leadership to bring all groups and factions together in a manner depicting serious commitment to peace.

However, this latest move has cast shadows on such expectations being one of many occasions where Hon. Leo and his group continues to undermine the office of the member representing Isoko north at the state house of assembly, Hon. Jude Ogbimi, who by political ranking stands as the highest at the state level.

This could never have passed as an oversight, rather, it is a direct disregard to the office and person of Hon. Jude Ogbimi by Leo and his team as it would never have happened with the late majority leader, Rt. Hon. Tim Owhefere while he represented the same state constituency.

As it stands, it is constraining to attribute the title of the leader of Isoko to Hon. Leo who has refused to act in that capacity but prefers to be the leader of Isoko Unity Group, whereas, other groups like the Equity group hold sway.

Beyond the political undertone, it is highly expected that a man who has tasted and enjoyed the infinite mercy of God and the lavish love of the people during his trying times should have a very large and accommodating heart towards everyone.

The people stood firmly by him to see his return to the house not because Isoko lacked qualified and able bodied men to send but it was a pure demonstration of love and regard for him. It will be against natural and divine justice for him to keep playing god over the people.

Every political observer knows that movements like this, that are loaded with councillors and some party executives give the impression that Hon. Leo is hoping to exert strength over party delegates whom he would dish instructions to as in the past. But the reality is that times have changed and the people are wiser now and will surely resist these ungodly schemes.

This certainly will not augur well for the party if things continue to go in this direction. It is easily predictable that Hon. Jude will rightfully lead other strong and notable leaders on the same visit which will further expose the lack of leadership of Rt. Hon Ogor in Isoko north.

****Nero Emona, Director of Media & Publicity, Isoko For All Group.