By Our Correspondent
The Isoko Development Union IDU, the apex socio-cultural organization and the mouthpiece of the Isoko nation, over the weekend backed the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon Leo Ogor over alleged budget scandal rocking the lower chamber.
Ogor who briefed the good people of Isoko nation during a town hall meeting which took place at IDU secretariat organized by the leadership of IDU, gave account of his role in the alleged budget ‘padding’ where he insisted that his hands are clean and he has not committed any crime known to Nigerian law or the constitution.
Stating his own side, the federal lawmaker said, “I had no influence over budget decisions in the House nor did I have access to appropriation. I am surprised my name is coming up at all because I was neither a member of the House Committee on Appropriation nor was I even a member of the Ad hoc Committee set up to restore the supposed ‘mutilated’ budget”
Speaking further, he said as a principal member he is entitled to certain percentage of constituency allocations to development his immediate constituency. He insisted that the N1.4billion allocated to him was never for his private pocket as being alleged in some quarters most especially critics on social media from Isoko extradition, rather it was for the development of the entire Isoko Federal Constituency. He swiftly mentioned the ongoing construction of Uzere-Aviara Road which require huge amount of funding, and the Isoko ring road approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2014 which is currently under the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs in the 2016 Appropriation Act.
The federal parliamentarian who ended his brief by expressing dismay over continuous attacks on his person by constituents on social media warned and advised his critics to always get detailed information before rushing to social media, insisting that most of them are not constructive in their criticisms. Rather they are using social media platform to throw insults upon insults on political leaders.
He later presented hard copy of the 2016 Appropriation Act to High Chief Iduh Amadhe, the President General of IDU, so he can read through the details, especially the budgets allocated to Isoko federal constituency.
Speaking earlier during the town hall meeting, the President General of Isoko Development Union world wide, High Chief Iduh Amadhe insisted that the unity and continued existence of Isoko development is not negotiable contrary to those that have been dismissing the oneness with their bogus claims of IDU leadership bought over by the political class.
Iduh described the tumultuous and massive crowd that turned up for the town hall meeting as a proof that the entire Isoko nation remain united as one and behind their sons and daughters in government positions.
Another constituent who spoke during the town hall meeting, commended Ogor for his detailed explanation on the alleged budget scandal rocking the green chamber, the renowned grand patron of Isoko national youth struggle, and a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC, Barr Fred Obe, said the federal lawmaker has done no wrong by lobbying projects to his immediate constituency. But he said he will be among the first to cry out if funds release for the budgets are not used for the purpose of executing them. He also warned users of social media outlets from insulting elders and be constructive in there criticisms.
Isoko constituents satisfied with the federal lawmaker’s brief, they also passed a vote of confidence on Hon Leo Ogor, saying his commitment to the development of Isoko nation is commendable.
The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by ALGON Chairman of Delta state, who also double as the local Government Chairman of Isoko South, Hon Itiako Ikpokpo, and was seconded by his Isoko North counterpart, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor and was overwhelmingly approved by the gathering.
The town hall meeting was a gathering of crème de la crème of Isoko sons and daughters, prominent among them: Hon (Prince) Johnson Erijo, member representing Isoko south constituency II at the state house of assembly, Hon (Mrs) Orezi Esiovo member representing Isoko South constituency I, Honourable commissioner for Urban Renewal Hon Karo Ilolo, Traditional Rulers, Elders, women, youths among others.
