Okpalaume Mary, Sapele
In its bid to seek better grounds for Urhobo, the interim administration of Urhobo Progress Union has immediately swung into action, setting up a seven man committee to review the body’s constitution while pointing on some anomalies of the constitution which made the leadership position itself as absolute.
The body has also recalled all its members who were excommunicated during the electioneering period of 2015 under Chief Joe Omene’s administration calling on all Urhobo sons and daughters irrespective of their political affiliations to work towards the unification and progress of Urhobo nation.
The interim President General, Chief Gabriel Ofotokun addressing a press conference in Sapele, weekend pointed that the interim administration of the UPU was a “child of circumstance” owing to the irregularities recorded in previous administrations.
He said that the leadership of the body should see itself as a chief servant who is bound by the constitution to work for the progress of Urhobo stressing that the UPU is not a tool for intimidation, oppression or fighting personal vendetta.
Chief Ofotokun noting that the UPU is apolitical condemned the expulsion of some political big wigs from the UPU therefore reinstating them into the fold.
According to him, “in the last administration of the UPU they expelled some people – our sons from the UPU. That should never have been. And now I want to take opportunity of this press conference to let the world know that our first eleven was never excommunicated from our land. I want everybody to join me and move Urhobo forward. Then everybody is reintegrated into Urhobo land because they are our first eleven. And like I said, first eleven in APC, PDP or in Labour Party must all join hands with us to move Urhobo forward.”
While listing members of the seven man constitution review committee, Chief Ofotokun said the committee is mandated to produce a constitution with clear cut guidelines for elections and leadership.
“We pray that within this one year our administration would be able to bring out a final constitution and also to reach out to the kingdoms to bring the best of persons forward. UPU elections should no more be a political election. Only those whom we are sure can lead us should be allowed there. Political parties should never be allowed to sponsor individuals in the UPU anymore.
“We are going to vigorously work on the UPU constitution so that no man, whoever you may be, when you become president general you do not become a god rather you become a chief servant and the moment Urhobo is dissatisfied with how you bend your neck or how you raise your leg, Urhobo should be able to ask you to move aside so that Urhobo can move forward. Urhobo is not for any individual; it is not for me and it is not for Omene. Urhobo is for the best person that will bring Urhobo forward,” he noted.
The seven man constitution review committee includes Hon. Justice T. K. Dugbo as Chairman. Other members are Dr. P. C. Obakponovwe, Chief Kenneth Iwhewhe, Chief Barr. Ese Gam Owe, Dr. Sunny Avwefada, Chief William Ayomanor and Mrs. Rose Okotie.
