by Timinepere Jombo Idoko/Sarah Ogodo
ISOKO-DELTA
The Member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukhodiko, has called on the public to hold elective office holders accountable in their stewardship.
Hon. Ukhodiko stated this when members of the Nigeria Association of women Journalist (NAWOJ) South -South Zone paid him a courtesy visit at his Erawha-Oweh country home in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The team, which was led by the Zonal Vice Chairperson, Comrade Stella Macaulay had representatives from the three southern geo-political zones.
The Lawmaker, who said elected office holders were expected to focus on the reasons why they were elected to represent the people to ensure everlasting impact, charged the women journalists to hold these elected officers accountable as they are the “conscience of the people”.
He reiterated the need for elective office holders to judiciously utilise their constituency development funds in the various constituencies they are representing.
Hon. Ukhodiko, a former Delta State Commissioner encouraged youths and women to learn to fend for themselves by learning sustainable positive skills to be financially responsible.
According to him “I do not believe in giving people fish to eat but to teach them how to fish hence, the reason I embarked on empowering youths and women by organising training that would impact their lives positively, transcending to the next generation.
“I don’t believe in buying Keke and machines for individuals, I will rather train them on skills that will improve their lives financially.”
Making reference to the ongoing crises in Kenya, Hon. Ukhodiko advised public office holders to be more efficient in governance, give opening ears to citizens demand, that if not political office holders would all be consumed.
He called on the people of Delta State, particularly the Isoko Nation to support Governor, Rt .Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to succeed as he pilot the affairs of the State, noting that he has tremendously done well and would continue to do more, as the governor meant well for the people of Delta State.
Speaking earlier, the Vice Chairperson of the Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) South South (Zone F), Comrade Stella Macaulay said the essence of the visit was to pay homage to him as their leader and to seek partnership with him.
While thanking him for supporting women folks in the State and also officially informing him of her emergence as NAWOJ Zonal Vice President, Comrade Mrs. Macualay, who outlined some of the activities of NAWOJ, disclosed that the South-South Zone would be organising a Zonal conference in commemoration of NAWOJ @35 and that Hon. Ukhodiko has been recognized and nominated as the best lawmaker of the year because of his outstanding performance in the National Assembly.
According to her “Sir, NAWOJ South-South has nominated you as the best Legislator of the year in the forth coming conference slated for November 2024, following your antecedents in Green Chamber and your Constituency.”
Delivering the visitors votes of thanks, the former National Financial Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Sarah Ogodo, on behalf of the zone, appreciated the lawmaker for accepting them, despite his tight schedule. She applauded his warm reception and also commended him for supporting her during her tenure as National Financial Secretary of NAWOJ.
Timinepere Jombo Idoko, former NAWOJ Zonal Vice Chairperson (South-South) and Hon Mary Samuel, Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Women Developement were among the delegation.