04/08/2026
*ONOWAKPO'S CONTINUITY IS THE BEST OPTION -- JUBILANT IGELIGE*
*Appeals To Other Aspirants To Sheath Swords As Leaders Interface For The Future Of Isoko Nation*
A frontline aspirant vying for the position of the Delta State House of Assembly, Isoko South Constituency 1, Chief (Dr) Jubilant Igelige, JP, in the All Progressive Congress (APC), has described the recent endorsement of the irrepressible Distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, as the best option for Isoko nation.
Speaking to journalists at the 6th edition of the Oleh United Musicians (OUM) 2026 Peace Festival, held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Isoko Central School field, Oleh, Isoko South LGA, he commended Isoko leadership -- the royal fathers, religious leaders, government functionaries, party executives, etc., who, in their wisdom, decided to cleave to the phrase; "A stitch in time saves nine," and also speaking in Isoko proverb; "An elder does not sit at home and watch a tethered goat deliver." It is an abomination.
Igelige, who is the former Secretary-General, Oleh Community, noted that the political jubilation at the Peace Festival was expedient, given that the theme of the festival ought to find expression in Isoko political nomenclature, rather than the trending political upheavals on social media. In essence, the peace and unity of Isoko nation is a factor in our growth and development as we gradually approach the electioneering season, he advised.
The National Publicity Secretary (NPS) of IDU further asserted that, from the inception of democracy, there have been diversity of thoughts and players, who constantly navigate the political landscape, must understand that the strategies of men differ individually. Continuing, he said, you must be abreast with the fact that politics is literally deep -- It is the process of making collective decisions in groups, involving the exercise of power and competition for influence. Optionally, one may decide to take a cab or train to Abuja to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, another, whose mental alertness is restless and does not want to lose his political profits, may travel into Abuja by flight. It is true that strategic gestures are not cheap and free; they are expensive.
Chief Igelige emphasized that, on the day they were to kill Jesus, there were divergent thoughts and defining conflicts. Some said he should be killed, even those healed by Jesus ab initio were part of the death crusade, while others said they should set him free. Life is a preference, and Joel's endorsement is the collective will of Isoko people.
While acknowledging the political gains, the IDU NPS maintained that it is unfair, demeaning, and arbitrarily sarcastic to ask ISOKO Nation's President General, a well-read Professor Chris Akpotu, to resign. Even though it is needless to join issues with you, the reason being that history will not forget so quickly the role IDU leadership played to bring about lasting peace in your hometown -- Emede/Igbide crisis. Consequently, your call for resignation is an uncivilized joke bereft of respect and morality -- It is dead on arrival, inconsequential, and a mere academic exercise, especially when Emede traditional institution and community administrative leadership were part of this irreversible history-making endorsement.
The mouthpiece of IDU and the Udueni of Oleh Kingdom pointed out that Senator Joel Onowakpo's 2026 endorsement was the 2nd in the history of the senatorial political trajectory. IDU's constitution never specifies that endorsement done outside the Secretariat is invalid. A conglomerate of leadership/branches will suffice to take a decision that could better the lives of Isoko people. He described the Senator as a legislator who has made invaluable contributions to the benefit of Isoko people. For that reason, the lifting of Senator Joel Onowakpo's hand, just as Aaron and Hur did to Moses, is symbolic with a prevailing mandate, and in case we are not informed, IDU's endorsement is spiritual and Heavenly approved. That means the PG has not committed any crime that could lead to his resignation because it was a collective decision, he disclosed.
As a matter of fact, the functional endorsement and/or proclamation made by Isoko Traditional Rulers, Political bigwigs, Religious leaders, Party executives, etcetera, cannot be eroded quickly. It's expected that for every political group, there must be a strategist, those whose mental antenna spins 24/7 on a political circumference. Political endorsement is not alien to us in the political environment -- It is only a function of discreet legislative appraisal and impressive scorecard.
"Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas is not a mouthy politician -- not a noise maker, but a silent striker. A political masterstroke, with a lot of master keys -- These keys transcend suburbs to urban, from locals to national, stressing that we must have a deep understanding of the systems and how they work. On this note, I can say with precision that the aspirant you are promoting has true respect for traditional institutions and would not have advised you to harass/insult traditional rulers or sensibility of the dignitaries present.
"No doubt, the cardinal activities and actions of Prof. Chris Akpotu are immeasurable with irrefutable evidences, especially given out peace, rather than instigating war. At various critical times, where the exercise of intellect is required, he has demonstrated enormous capacity as a visionary leader and administrator of impeccable integrity. Truth be told, the President General of IDU is a model and a strategic thinker, always making Isoko nation proud. Therefore, no amount of uncomplimentary remarks and/or publication can demean his personality.
Igelige disclosed and affirmed that IDU is one indivisible entity headed by the President General only. And so, the political intent of the Isoko leaders was well tailored, given that the endorsement was a strategic push to consolidate the gains of Isoko position ahead of 2031. The endorsement was based on the overwhelming trust and confidence bestowed on him as well as the collective aspirations of Isoko people. He respectfully called for sincere synergy to strengthen the bond and also appealed to other aspirants to sheath their swords as Isoko leaders continue to interface for the future of Isoko nation because, assuming his aspirant was endorsed, the same Prof Chris Akpotu, being requested to resign, would have been celebrated -- Conviction is the reason and not intuition, he concluded.
