Isoko Nation Must Guard Its Political Voice With Vigilance

I had chosen to remain silent on this matter for a long time. My focus in previous articles has been on preaching peace, reconciliation, and the unity of purpose that should bind us as a people. But silence, when it becomes too prolonged, is often mistaken for consent, and I cannot continue to watch as we undermine our own while elevating others.

The reality before us is clear: the Isoko nation has only one significant voice in the political terrain of Delta State today—Distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas. Without him, our people would have been pushed into the abyss of irrelevance within the APC in Delta State. Yet, rather than rally around him, some among us seem determined to diminish his influence, forgetting that other ethnic groups have never made such a mistake with their own.

For instance, the Urhobo people, who occupy the Delta Central Senatorial District, have always protected their interests within the APC. Even now, they make every move to solidify their hold on power. Yet, they have not even acknowledged the sacrifices of the late Senator Spanner Okpozo, an Isoko man who laid the very foundation of APC in Delta State with his sweat and hard-earned resources. Without his early sacrifices, the party might not have stood the test of time in the state. But today, the party, according to Mr Vincent Oberebor, appears to have been turned into an “Urhobo Progressive Party”, as though it belongs to them alone.

This is why Isoko people must realize that God has blessed them with a golden opportunity in Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas. He is the only political shield standing between the Isoko nation and total obscurity. This moment is not one to be wasted on distractions or petty divisions. Instead, it is a time to support and protect what is ours. Those who fail to defend their own will always be at the mercy of others.

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There have been whispers and insinuations that Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas owes his rise to Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the former Deputy Senate President. It is true that Omo-Agege, through his political influence, played a role in Joel’s emergence. But this is where some people miss the point entirely. Joel does not need to be in any leadership tussle with anyone. His status, his achievements, and his contributions have already earned him that. Leadership is not about seeking validation or struggling for relevance—it is about the impact one makes. Senator Joel has never, at any moment, defied or disrespected Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. But let it be clear that support does not translate to servitude. The help that came was to liberate the Isoko people from political insignificance, not to place them under permanent subjugation.

Now, more than ever, the Isoko must guard what they have with vigilance. Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has done enough for Delta South Senatorial District, which he represents at the Senate. His efforts are evident in his legislative strides, projects, and initiatives. Rather than playing down his achievements or creating unnecessary distractions, we should stand solidly behind him and give him the unlimited support he needs.

The forces of political suppression are always at work, and they thrive when a people become divided. Let us not be counted among those who destroy their own while building others. Isoko must stand united, not just for today but for the future that lies ahead. A word is enough for the wise.

Sir Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi, KSJI, ASCIEPUK.