Okpe Union warns’ voters ahead of 2027 elections, cautions against re-electing non-performing

Okpe Union has issued a warning to voters ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning against the re-election of non-performing politicians.

The Union at the weekend called on politicians and persons who have been allowed to occupy various political leadership positions all over the country to remember that their primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare of the citizens and the stability of the Nigerian polity.

The Union also urged elected government officials to face their roles squarely rather than being distracted or fixated on the next round of elections.

The position of the Okpe Union on the state of the Nigerian Nation was presented to the press by the President General of the Okpe Union (Worldwide), Prof Igho Natufe.

‘’There is no basis for the electorate to consider re-electing incumbents who do not deliver on the promises they have made to their constituents which constitute a social contract. It is good governance which in turn translates to the improved well-being of the people that increases the confidence the people have in the democratic process which we must acknowledge, has not been very high amongst the people of Nigeria in recent times.

The Union advised the National Assembly not to wait until close to the next General Elections before embarking on whatever electoral reforms for the polity.

‘’ In times past, whenever the tinkering of the Electoral Act is delayed and brought too close to another round of General Elections, political interests have created tensions which influence the review and amendment processes that the outcomes usually do not reflect the desire of the electorate for a template that ensures the credibility of the Electoral Process’’

The Union further counseled the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work in synergy to ensure a timeous review of our Electoral Laws and regulations to ensure that the votes of Nigerians in all parts of the country truly count.

They also emphasized its role in revolutionizing the Okpe Kingdom and uplifting a lot of the people.

‘Notwithstanding the destabilization policy by His Royal Majesty, Orhue l and the renegades since 2021, we have made significant progress in the execution of numerous projects. We have brought to the forefront a positive profile of the Okpe ethnic nationality in several fora in Nigeria. We have re-established the autonomy of the Okpe Union by securing the landmark Judgement and Ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos and the Federal High Court, Abuja, respectively. We contributed financially and morally to the success of the Okpe Cultural Day events of the National Association of Okpe Students in various Higher Institutions. We sponsored and secured several jobs for nine deserving Okpe Youths’’.

President General of the Okpe Union (Worldwide), Prof Igho Natufe, said the Okpe Union featured in national and local discourse which has enabled the Okpe Nation to be respected in the comity of ethnic nationalities.

‘’We submitted proposed projects and presented administrative advice to all levels of Government since the last General Elections in the country and Delta State during the tenure. We ensured the celebration of worthy heroes of the Okpe Union and the Okpe Nation as exemplified, in particular, in the burial ceremony of the Late Okpe hero, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Osume of Mereje, who contributed in no small measure to Okpe consciousness and identity in his written works, and actions while he was alive’’.

The union complained about the educational deficits of Okpe nationals in national and foreign educational institutions.

‘’Frequently referred to as the largest mono-ethnic nationality in Delta State, it is however regrettable that Okpe is arguably the less educated ethnic nationality in Delta State. Okpe Union shall continue to explore ways and means to curtail the educational deficits of Okpe nationals, in national and foreign educational institutions.

The Union vowed to strive for a stronger Okpe Nation through the teaching of the Okpe Language in all primary and post-primary educational institutions in Okpe Nation including the privately owned schools

‘’The use of Okpe Language in all places of worship in Okpe Nation shall be encouraged. The union will attract investments to the Okpe Nation, and liaise with local, state and federal governments for the recognition of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality so that the shortchanging of the Okpe Nation in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Projects, Bursary Slots etc, would be a thing of the past and organize empowerment programmes for Okpe youths and women’’.

The Union also promised to foster collaboration and cooperation in Okpe Nation.

‘’We hope that all stakeholders of the Okpe Nation shall realize that the Okpe Union means well with all these viewpoints and projections. The Unity of Okpe can enable her to overcome many of the seemingly difficult issues. With an open mind, the Newly Sworn National Executive Council which I am once again privileged to head for the next four years promises to foster collaboration and cooperation in the Okpe Nation’’.