By: Odinaka Osundu
Since inception of the present political dispensation in the nation in 1999, the name of Rt. Hon. (Evang). Hope Ikiriko, CNA, Executive Chairman of Ahoada West local government local government Area of Rivers State has been identified as a political brand of the local government .
He’s a foundation member of the People’s Democratic Party
( PDP) of the local government area, Orashi region, the state and the nation.
He has held various political positions and worked tirelessly as a member of the Elders Forum of the PDP . Hon. Ikiriko also supported the party with all his might including other patriotic members to earn victory even during the period that it went through disintegration and tumult. By all standard and respect, he could be regarded as the indisputable political leader and kingmaker of Ahoada West local government Area. His recommendation is a seal to any party affairs in the area.
Also, he was former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly and former Federal Civil Service Commissioner for Rivers/Bayelsa States before his election as the Executive Chairman of Ahoada West local government Area. . By my opinion, Hon. Ikiriko is and will continue to remain a political brand in the politics of Ahoada West with his ability in building corresponding political structures that none other politician can boast of in the local government Area . In addition, he had always worked with the Grassroots Democratic Initiative (GDI) of the New Rivers Vision of our Governor, His Excellency, Chief (Bar.) Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS Africa (A.K.A) Mr. Quality Projects of Nigeria, the leadership and members of PDP for the victory and progress of the party in the LGA, State and the Nation. It is therefore, not out of place to say that in “AWELGA, Hon.( Evang.) Hope Ikiriko leads, others follow ” .
It is my candid opinion that the local government Area is fortunate to have such an enlightened son of this caliber as its political leader judging from his pedigree which is very intimidating and incomparable with cognate experience in lawmaking, grassroots and public service administration.
The Executive Chairman is indisputably a game changer, grass roots mobilizer and a true democrat. As indication shows today, because of his solid structures and background in the game, almost all political party in Nigeria would want to have him as theirs in Ahoada West local government Area .
Expectedly, one of the structure he has put in place worthy of mention is that of the recognition of the people of Ogbogolo in Ward 4 of the local government Area . Ogbogolo communities despite the fact that they are oil producing community and contribute to the growth and development of the nation even with qualified sons and daughters for political positions were forgotten since 1999 by successive administrations in the local government system . The entire people today see Hon. (Evang.) Hope Ikiriko as their political godfather, having made it possible for them to produce an elected Councillor in the person of Honourable Lamegeh Okwazi who is the House Whip for the first time in the political history of the local government. And to the glory of God, Hon. Lamegeh Okwazi proved himself as a thorough breed loyalist to this uncontestable leader of Ahoada West politics. Ogbogolo people have absolute trust in the leadership style of the Executive Chairman and in Ogbogolo, only the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) exist. Today, they can also boast of a political leader who can champion their political course in the area . This is the reason the people unanimously agreed to give the Executive Chairman a bloc vote come 17th April, 2021 local government elections as a show of appreciation.
As a political structure builder, he has also put in place a solid foundation in the Engenni axis ably led by a vibrant son of the soil with many years of grassroots political experience, Honourable Ezekiel Agri (Engenni Political leader). A two time former Caretaker Committee Chairman of the LGA and now the Council Secretary assisted by the Council Deputy Chairman, Hon Ubile Jack. . This solid political network and structures gives Hon. Ikiriko assured victory for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from this axis also, not leaving out the massive support from the Ekpeyes where biologically he comes from.
It is a fact that, the Chairman’s political ingenuity attracts attention of the public, party and non party members . The AWELGA Political Brand also has a distinct charm of appealing to everyone in the local government Area to give support towards the victory of PDP in any elections and the people always reciprocate without hesitation . In essence, I’m yet to meet a man who hates Hon. Hope Ikiriko justly. They can do it in hiding, indeed for the hater’s intention.
My advice to the Chairman therefore, is for him to keep running his race in this humble way and keep honouring God in the way he is doing today . And even if haters may not like him , they definitely will respect him in the end.
It is also on record without mincing words, that many citizens of the local government Area describe him as a Servant -Leader, not conceited, proud or haughty rather humble, hospitable and ever ready to render selfless service to them even at short notice. He truly unites his people through leadership by action, example and sacrifice. Political pundits are of the opinion that the Chairman also has a burden to industrialize and develop the area which he has come to realize, that without power supply it is practically going to be impossible. Understanding the fact that the local government area is a heterogeneous and amphibious one and a victim of severe environmental degradation from oil spill and gas flare in all parts by multinational companies without any proof of their presence . The result of severe environmental degradation has frustrating indices , leading to youth restiveness because of paucity of development of projects in their communities. These consideration, is believed must have fired the motivation of Hon Hope Ikiriko to solve the power problem as a pre-requisite to establishing small -scale industries and provide ground for the good things of life for the rural communities in the local government Area . The complexity of the technology makes cynics to launch an attack on the project. Howbeit, people generally regard what they do not understand as unreal, and this is the reason a lot of people, throw missiles at the Executive Chairman for daring his rural Electrification Program . Many agree that no project has been so criticized as this Rural Electrification Program of the chairman. But he is confident and resilient working assiduously to ensure that his dream come to fruition for the betterment of the people. It is believed that in his second tenure, the people will enjoy a better narrative of this most criticized program of the chairman.
A school of thought is of the opinion that Ikiriko’s philosophy of service to the people, must have fired his political will at all cost to embark on the program . Ours is to continue to up-hold this political brand of the area in prayers as to succeed in the years ahead and give us more dividends of democracy.
Osundu writes from Port Harcourt.
