Our Correspondent,

President Goodluck Jonathan

National Chairman, Isoko Advancement Network (IAN), Hon. Mike Ogwah, has said that the Isoko people will support the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 and participate actively in the proposed National Dialogue.

Speaking at the 2013 Interactive Session of IAN held at the Cyprian Hotel, Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Ogwah stated that the second interactive session has become more important against the backdrop of the setting up of the National Dialogue Committee by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said; “Certainly, the Isoko nation cannot afford to sit idle while other ethnic groups are busy articulating their positions and seeking ways to benefit and get a greater share from the national cake.”

According to him, as the third largest ethnic group in Delta State and critical stakeholders in the South-South geo-political zone of the country, the Isoko people need to reinforce their positions on true federalism, resources control and the enthronement of equity in the sharing of political power.

Speaking further at the ceremony attended by prominent Isoko sons and daughters, including Comrade Macaulay, Hon. Ogor and Dame Orezi Esievo, Commissioner for Special Duties (Special Infrastructure), he added “More so, there is urgent need for us to lend our voices to the desire of President Jonathan to seek a second term in office as well as ensure that the Isoko nation plays a defining role in choosing a successor for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.”

About a year ago, he said, the Isoko Advancement Network decided on an enlightenment programme aimed at sensitizing and educating the Isoko nation on efforts by political office holders and PDP led Delta State Government in improving the living conditions of the people as well as development of social infrastructure in Isoko land.

He said that gave birth to the first ever held interactive session held in Lagos on December 8, 2012.

“The IAN came to the realization that where there is no free flow of information, rumours are bound to thrive. A platform must be created for exchange of information among people in government and their kith and kin at home and in the Diaspora. Above all, there is the need for building a veritable platform for cooperation so as to provide a united front before the comity of nations,” Hon. Ogwah said.

He commended Chief Dennis Etaluku and Chief Lawrence Ufebe for graciously accepting to be Chairman and Co-Chairman of the Warri Interactive Session.

Hon. Ogwah also showered praises on Hon. Leo Ogor, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and patron (Worldwide) of IAN who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay for their efforts in the development of Isoko land.