By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, JP.
Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, has again achieved another major breakthrough as Ndokwa nation expressed confidence in the watertight mutual relationship between the two ethnic nationalities as power shifts to Urhobo nation of Delta Central in 2023.
President General of Ndokwa Neku Union, NNU, General Mike Ndubisi, while speaking at the grand reception held for UPU Urhobo for Governor consultation team in Kwale, said on Tuesday July 27, that the two ethnic nationalities have been neighbours for centuries, and will always support each other, no matter the circumstances.
He stated in clear terms, that it will be a thing of joy for Ndokwa nation, should the next governor of Delta state in 2023, emerge from Urhobo, their next door neighbour, adding that the two sociocultural organisations must of a necessity sustain their synergy and friendship as well as sociocultural ties in the years ahead.
“We are indeed delighted to have you here in Ndokwa nation. We share sociocultural affinities and we intermarried. Ndokwa will always be comfortable partnering with Urhobo.
“Ndokwa people are in full support of power rotation because of the numerous advantages it offers, and we are of the candid opinion that the successor of the governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, should come from Urhobo nation of Delta Central Senatorial District.
“Power rotation cannot be on the basis of tribe or ethnicity, due to the fact that we have several tribes and tongues in the state. Power rotation should be sustained on the basis of senatorial district.
“We commend UPU for this initiative and we shall come to you very soon, so that leaders on both sides can freely cross fertilise ideas behind closed doors and agree on certain terms and conditions for the benefit of our people,” Ndubisi assured.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of Urhobo For Governor team and First Vice President General of UPU, Chief Dr Anthony Onoharigho, said power rotation guarantees peaceful coexistence and unity among the peoole of the three senatorial districts, and therefore cannot be jettisoned to please individuals, tribe or ethnic nationality.
He posited that the Urhobo sociocultural organisation is apolitical but that the issue of power shift is very important which was why the President General of UPU Worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga, inaugurated the Committee to have interface with other similar sociocultural organisations, leaders and major stakeholders across the three senatorial districts.
Onoharigho said Ndokwa and Urhobo nations are intertwined in multifaceted ways, bonded in love and unity, adding that it was heartwarming that the good people of Ndokwa are in one accord with Urhobo in the quest for Okowa’s successor in 2023, to emerge from Delta central.
“The strong bond between Urhobo and
Ndokwa nations will continue to linger for many more centuries to come, and be rest assured that we shall not disappoint you if Ndokwa partner with us as far as the Urhobo for Governor project is concerned.
“We are very happy and greatly encouraged by your kind words and assurances. UPU and Urhobo nation will respond any time Ndokwa calls or need our support and cooperation in all legitimate interests.
“The reception you accorded us is simply fantastic. You went to the extent of engaging professional musicians to entertain us, and we danced to Ndokwa traditional ballads.
“We lack words to adequately express our appreciation and gratitude. The inestimable measures of love you showered on us today will for a long time linger in our memory. God bless Ndokwa nation,” Onoharigho said.