Macaulay, Manager, Ogor others blaze the trail in grass root politics

By Stepp Offi.

One indication that democracy, as a form of government, as well as its institutions are fast growing in the country is the level of awareness amongst the electorate today.
Since the return of democratic governance in 1999, grass root interest and involvement in political transformation has steadily increased.
The days are gone when politicians were seen only during campaigns for electoral votes and would sooner disappear until another election time.
Wise and genuine politicians especially, the ones on leadership positions, these days, ever so frequently, visit their constituencies to interact with the people and especially, be acquainted with their urgent social and political needs.
Certainly, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Isoko North Local Government Area Chapter, has demonstrated absolute political responsibility and responsiveness when its elders and executive members embarked on a “Thank You Tour” of the thirteen wards in the area. It was distinct for many reasons. In the first place it affirms the positive changes in the political climate – the emergence of an opportunity for the electorate to interact with the leaders. The politician, ever since, has been some invisible and “too busy” individual that would not be seen. Not anymore!
The visit afforded the people the opportunity of seeing their leaders physically and the leaders meeting with the elders in the community as well.
Again, the visit, more than anything else, is an affirmation of our cultural background. This is because, he who appreciates a little, shall be given more. It was like when Jesus asked the appreciative leper – “where are the other nine?” For the first time, elected and appointed politicians, yes for the first time, found time out to visit the electorate after election and when elections are not near yet.
For Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, Secretary to the Delta State Government, SSG, Senator James Manager, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman of the senate Committee on the Niger Delta, Hon, Leo Ogor, member, representing the Isoko Nation in the House of Representatives and Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tim Owhefere, member representing Isoko North in the State House of Assembly; Sir, Patrick Ferife, Commissioner for Land and Survey and a host of others, it was a thing of Joy to be at the political grass root level-back to the home base!
A most significant observation throughout the visit, was that Isoko North is fully united for the PDP.
All the known notable persons were present in one voice. The unity of the PDP in Isoko North transcends personal or individual political interests. The interests of the people must be first served. All thoughts are focused on how to improve the lot of the people.
This was why Sir, Simeon Efenudu, former Head of Service and Secretary to the Delta State Government, came out for the two days to team up with other leaders for the visit. Efenudu is the current Chairman, Delta South Senatorial zone of the party. Also in this class was Chief Goodnews Agbi, a PDP chieftain and former Delta State Governorship aspirant, who was present throughout the tour.
Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, The SSG, was clearly back to his familiar turf as a trade unionist and the man of the people. One ever so often wonders at the power of oratory possessed by the trade unionists, who in most cases, are self effacing.
The message from the Isoko North PDP was clear and crystal “we have come to say thank you to you for giving us your votes. The President of the Federal Republic, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan sends his greetings. The State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan sends his greetings to you for voting for him in the last elections”
Senator James Manager, representing the Delta South is here to say thank you and to meet you one-on-one. Hon. Leo ogor, your own son representing you at the House of Representatives, and by God’s grace, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, is here to meet you and interact with you. Hon. Tim Owhefere representing you in the State House of Assembly is also here to greet you as well. “Sir, Patrick Ferife, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey is equally here to greet all of you”. Other Isoko sons and daughters who are in politics were introduced to the people.
The response by the people was instant and immensely amazing- “Onana no oro sosuo. Uwoma gaga” was on the lips of everybody. It means “this is the first time and it is very good”
Yes, the SSG did not just introduce the people. There was a package of democratic dividends for each of the wards.
These projects were already mapped out for these communities and contracts for them had been awarded in most cases.
They range from supply and installation of transformers, fencing and renovation of Primary and Secondary Schools, Construction of community Roads, provision of water scheme and replacement of wooden electricity polls to concrete ones. In Owhe-Ologbo, the SSG announced his personal projects in addition to the one by the State.
In order to expedite action on the listed projects for the communities, the SSG advised youths not to disturb contractors at site. He also urged parents to ensure that their children and wards imbibe the virtue of peaceful living, saying that violence does not pay.
The thirteen wards that were visited were Ellu/Aradhe/Ovrode, Ofagbe, Okpe-Isoko, Oyede and Iyede, I and II. Others were Emevor, Otor-Owhe, Otibio and Owhelogbo and Ozoro I to III.
As has been said earlier, the purpose of the visit was to say thank you and it was a happy moment throughout the wards. A carnival float of young ladies and boys added colour to the tour.
It is absolutely clear that the PDP, Isoko North, has brazed the trail in this gesture of showing gratitude to the electorate in the form of having to visit them in their communities. This should be emulated by other areas.

Nice one.

u did not report thex were booed n insulted. Liars like u make nigeria remain where it is. Coward