Politics
By Ajiri-Oghene Oreh
COME Tuesday June 13 2023, President Bola Tinubu will inaugurate the 10th National Assembly with the business-mogul, philanthropist and pastor, Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko officially taking his seat in the House of Representatives as the member representing Isoko Federal Constituency.
Ukodhiko’s immediate predecessor was the famous Nigerian legislative ‘general’, Rt. Hon Leonard Okuweh Ogor from Idheze in Isoko South Local Government Area, who was former Deputy Majority Leader of the 7th House of Representatives, and later, Minority Leader of the 8th House of Representatives.
Ogor’s lofty achievements in the House of Representatives were enormous, and they are green in the hearts of the people. The former federal lawmaker made significant national impact just as he exited office some days ago leaving behind many worthwhile legacies that Ukodhiko is expected to build on.
The Constituency achievements of Ogor are innumerable. But, one must not fail to mention Ogor’s astonishing portfolio of achievements in terms of road infrastructure of the multibillion Uzere-Aviara road, Isoko ring road amongst other rural roads and connecting bridges in Isoko, a developmental agenda aimed at making transportation easy and enjoyable.
Hon. Leo Ogor gave academic scholarships to hundreds of brilliant indigent-students just as he also gave economic empowerment to hundreds of women and numberless youths in Isoko Federal Constituency.
Rt. Hon. Ogor built and renovated ICT Centres, schools, General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres, provided security vehicles in Oleh, Umeh, Aviara, Irri, Emede, Okpe-Isoko, Owhelogbo, Owodokpokpo, Ogor-Igho, Ellu, Ozoro, and other communities in the Federal Constituency.
Having worked with Engr. Ukodhiko for almost two years, knowing his personality, abilities and capacities, he is one who doesn’t underestimate the enormity of the onerous and daunting responsibilities that await him and the great expectations of the people of Isoko who reposed so much confidence in him.
Hon. Ukodhiko is a workaholic, a visionary who is highly dedicated to a cause. He has mapped out strategies already that will enable him to consolidate on the gains and achievements of the dynamic Rt Hon Leo Ogor and, he is determined to take Isoko to greater heights.
The era Ogor held sway as a principal officer in the National Assembly, was adjudged a golden moment of Isoko in national politics. Ogor’s views were usually sought after on issues of national importance. Tall and imposing, with a good mastery of the law and legislative gambits and innuendos, he stood his ground on issues. He was feared and his voice in the House of Representatives was well-respected.
Ogor’s representation witnessed rains of federal appointments for Isoko politicians and employment for numerous educationally qualified youths of the Constituency. Many of the Peoples Democratic Party’s chieftains in Isoko held leadership positions at the national level.
Ukodhiko is also much aware of the foregoing, and of course, of the cold treatment Isoko, one of the oil producing Federal Constituencies in Nigeria has received in the last 8years, and he is determined to change the way of things now he is on the saddle as a member of the House of Representatives.
The point must be made, Ukodhiko inherits a lot of problems. However, unrelenting, he is taking the bull by the horn as a legislator determined to succeed and carve a niche for himself through his own projects and programmes that will take Isoko to higher level of infrastructural development and sustainable empowerment of the people.
And so, what will be at play in Ukodhiko’s legislative representation in the next four years are his youthfulness, intelligence, vigor, vibrancy, resourcefulness, astuteness, courage, zeal he will reinsert into national consciousness of Nigeria.
Ukodhiko is a good mixer, and has been thoroughly briefed on how to navigate all contours, and successfully penetrate all powerful national blocs in the country. His famed lobbying skills will definitely come handy for him. His calm and amiable look, humility, loyalty, fidelity will count for him.
Again, Ukodhiko is deft in making smart moves, networking politically among colleagues and peers in order to advantageously reposition Isoko into mainstream national politics and vigorously negotiate for appointments and employments for the people of Isoko Federal Constituency.
Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko envisions a new dawn for Isoko, a dawn from obscurity to national political visibility. And he is carefully prepared to work with a missionary zeal and labour assiduously for its actualization.
The people of Isoko Federal Constituency have soared and attained commanding heights in all spheres of human endeavors nationally and globally. There is need for consolidation, collaborations and partnerships for the sustainable greatness of Isoko.
As Pst Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko gears up for his inauguration on Tuesday, we are confident of good quality of bills and motions he will initiate to consolidate the nation’s democracy and make life more meaningful for the people.
*Evangelist Oreh writes from Otibio Ward 13 in Isoko North LGA.
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Tags: Ajiri-Oghene Oreh Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko President Bola Tinubu Rt. Hon Leonard Okuweh Ogor
