Delta Guber: Block voting, milestone to be achieved - Isibeluo ... as HOSTCOM takes election sensitization to Itsekiri, Isoko, promise to hold mega rally

 By Elo Edremoda and Rita Ossai

The chairman of the Delta state chapter of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, Snr. Evang. Gabriel Isibeluo, says voting as a block is a milestone that should be achieved by the group.


The chairman stated this Friday, February 8, in Warri, when HOSTCOM took its election sensitization and mobilization town hall meeting to indigenes of Itsekiri ethnic nation.


Calling on oil and gas host communities to vote in Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the March 2 governorship polls, he pointed out that until his inception into office, HOSTCOM as a pressure group had no secretariat.


He added that having completed about 80% of demands laid before him, HOSTCOM saw the need to support the governor for his second term bid, which it is optimistic, will take the group to a higher level.


Commending his team for keying into the vision of wholly supporting Sen. Okowa, the evangelist disclosed that the town hall meetings which had stretched into the second week, is already yielding results for the pressure group.


He noted that it was time that members of HOSTCOM get appointments as other people in government agencies, especially the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

"When we say we are taking HOSTCOM to another level, we are not about attacking any political party. As a pressure group, we boast that it is our struggle that brought DESOPADEC, but we cannot say 'this is what we got from bringing DESOPADEC'.


"This is the next level we want. We decided that we move to the level where we vote as a block and we won't hide. The governor wants support. We will put out our chests and ask, what do you have for HOSTCOM, so that when the government will be formed, HOSTCOM can write a list as others will be doing.


"It is necessary we achieve that milestone. For us to do this, we have to get our PVCs. We all have to vote one choice. We want to work with Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, that is our governor.


"As at today, we have a chairman, MD, five executive directors and about 15 commissioners. We want to be a part of the next board. My duty as a chairman is to produce people in the board," Evang. Isibeluo emphasized.

He also recalled the group's visit to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, who tasked HOSTCOM on unity. 

The chairman of Itsekiri ethnic nation, Justice Mene, had earlier appreciated all for their presence.

Executive members at the state and ethnic level, elders, women and youths of HOSTCOM including Elder Okorodudu, Lube Oristuwa (DESOPADEC coordinator Warri South), Comrade Amalihi Stephen, chairman men & women Warri South, among others, graced the event.

Meantime the Delta State chapter of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says it will vote as a group in order to become part of government's administration.

The state chairman, Snr. Evang Gabriel Isibeluo stated this on  Wednesday, Feburary 6 at the Isoko Unity Hall, Oleh, in isoko South council area of Delta state, during a town hall meeting organized to sensitize and mobilize people of HOSTCOM Isoko ethnic nationality in the 2019 general polls. 

Evang Isibeluo while stressing that HOSTCOM  is not out to displace those holding political offices from power, explained that it (HOSTCOM), is only seeking the path that will bring benefits to those it represents, while urging the people to vote for the incumbent governor, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, the chairman noted that the group's call for his re-election was informed by his outstanding performance and swift response to the group's demands.

"For government, to listen to us, we have to come together. We don't want HOSTCOM to vote for nothing. Why do we need to vote as a group? So that at the time the next government will be formed, HOSTCOM will be part of the government".

Assuring that the group was not influenced to campaign for the governor, he added, "we are not paid to do what we are doing today. We are only doing it out of love and passion for what we stand to benefit as a group.

"The vision for the mobilization and sensitization of our indigenes is for us to be a block in government. We are not organizing this to chase out people in government, only for us to be part in it. And out ticket is our PVC," the HOSTCOM boss said, encouraging them to get their permanent voters' cards.

Reintroducing the various ethnic chairmen, Isibeluo told Isoko people that HOSTCOM has and will still take same message to other ethnic nations.

Also speaking, the national secretary of HOSTCOM , Dr. Peter Egedegbe, noted that Governor Okowa's identification with HOSTCOM is a first of its kind from any government, adding that it will bring more good for the group to support his re-election bid.

Mr Morrister Idibra, who was the Chief host, had earlier told the people that the meeting is to make them see ways that will move their communities forward.

In another development the Chairman Snr. Evangelist Gabriel Isibeluo at HOSTCOM's secretariat, Uti Road, Effurun, Uvwie council area, he informed the gathering that HOSTCOM will hold a joint rally otherwise called mega rally to sensitize and mobilize the people of the state to vote for the re-election of Gov. Okowa on March 2^nd for his outstanding performance in the last Four Years.
He urged all the ethnic nationalities Chairmen in the state to ensure that all members of HOSTCOM attends the rally, noting that the joint rally will hold at the the Isoko Unity Hall, Oleh, Isoko South council area of the state, will have Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as other candidates vying for various political offices, present.

Recall that the group on Monday, February 11 will conclude the on- going town hall meetings with the six ethnic oil and gas producing nationalities, Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri, Ika, Ndokwa and Urhobo, in the state.

Isibeluo stated that HOSTCOM intends to give support to other candidates who must tell them their agenda for the group.

He further urged members across the ethnic nations to come with their permanent voters' cards (PVC) to show readiness to deliver their choice governorship candidate, Sen. Okowa.

Governorship election;

Hostcom will give a block vote to Okowa says Isibeluo

The Delta state chairman of Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM), Evangelist Gabriel Isibeluo, has declared that the pressure group "will vote as a block", in the March 2 governorship elections.

The chairman while addressing a gathering of HOSTCOM Ndokwa Ethnic Nation in Kwale, Ndokwa West council area of Delta state, charged all to cast their vote for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

HOSTCOM officials in the state had on,January 30^th , commenced a tour of all oil producing areas to sensitize and mobilize them people for the 2019 elections, noting that HOSTCOM is very "concerned" about the forthcoming polls, he pointed out that reelecting Sen. Okowa will ensure that oil bearing communities get what is due to them, in terms of development.

According to the Chairman, the governor has not only listened to its demands, but has accomplished "seven out of the nine items" HOSTCOM presented to him.

While reiterating the need for members to collect their permanent voters' cards (PVCs), Evang. Isibeluo noted that it is necessary for people of the oil and gas communities to take the elections seriously, as well as coming together as one.

"We have heard so much about the elections that are coming. We have passed the level of bags of salt and some money to our women. The first thing for us is to get is our PVCs "For us to have a voice, we have to vote as a block. It is very necessary for HOSTCOM women, youths, elders to take this issue seriously. Now, HOSTCOM wants to vote and also get appointments. I am saying what I am saying, not because I am a powerful man, but because I have all your backings "We need to be very united. Don't be intimidated. If results will be written, not for oil communities. Our votes will count. We want to deliver a governor that we all agree on. We are not going to share our votes. What will benefit HOSTCOM is what we need," Isibeluo told the people” he noted.

Those at the meeting were HOSTCOM's national secretary, state vice chairman, woman leader, Dr. Peter Egedegbe, Mr. Dele Mamu, Barr. (Mrs.) Omude Ochonogor-Ochibe respectively..

Others include ethnic chairmen, amongst who was Deacon Chris Nwose (Ndokwa). Then, traditional personalities from across Ndokwa clans, such as Chief Williams Wayer, Chief Franklin Ewyabege, Chief Flex Aghaoyibo, Chief Richard Mmor and Chief Austin Neme.

HOSTCOM urges Ika nation to vote for Okowa or wait for another 16 years.

The Host communities of Nigeria producing oil and gas (HOSTCOM), has tasked the people of Ika ethnic nationality to vote for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), otherwise they should be ready to wait for another 16 years to vie for the gubernatorial seat in the state.

Speaking at a town hall meeting in Agbor, Ika South council area of Delta state, on February 4th, the chairman of Delta state chapter, Snr. (Evang.) Gabriel Isibeluo, noted that Delta Central and South districts of the state, respectively completed eight years in office, adding that it was ideal the governor, who is from their locality in Delta North, do same.

He explained that the town hall meeting was organised by HOSTCOM to sensitize and mobilise indigenes of oil bearing areas on the need to elect individuals who will listen to their cries and ensure human and infrastructural development when elected.

Isibeluo stressed that the decision of the pressure group to choose the governor as its candidate, stemmed from his (Okowa's) antecedents, adding that HOSTCOM stands for "equity and fairness".

Further enjoining the people to get their permanent voters' cards (PVCs), which he described as "our current power," not arms, the chairman stated the group's support for Sen. Okowa will bring benefits to all.

"We must change the way things are done. If you make the mistake to vote another person, you will wait another 16 years because Delta Central and Delta South have done eight years. You will start thinking of governorship 17yeras from now. The choice is yours.

"Okowa did not ask me to campaign for him. But what is good, is good. If anyone is to judge Okowa, it is HOSTCOM. You should take him for the next four years. Our coming to tell you this is to tell you we love you. In nine days time, we will take a decision on who will rule us in Nigeria. But on March 2nd, HOSTCOM will vote one candidate," Evang. Isibeluo stated.

On his part, HOSTCOM's national secretary, Dr. Peter Egedegbe, remarked on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's developmental strides through his SMART Agenda, pointing out that his administration, if reelected, will do more for oil and gas host communities.

The assistant national woman leader, Mrs. Diana Ihwiwhu, urged the women to be on the alert, so as "not to be deceived."

Reminding them that the governor has promised to empower women of oil and gas bearing communities

through a micro-credit scheme, she charged them to vote wisely.

Responding, the Ezewen-Nwata of Aboro kingdom, Chief Odeh B. O., while assuring that Ika nation is "100% ready to support him for a second tenure" added that the governor has "spread his tentacles" across Delta state.

Meanwhile, Delta North chairman of physically challenged persons, Comrade Monday Ojeme, has urged HOSTCOM to intercede in its yearly faceoff with the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

Ojeme who spoke during the town hall meeting, wondered why the group has to apply lock up strategy when it needs something from the commission.

Stating that though disabled, their abilities are intact, he appealed that job opportunities be given to physically challenged persons from oil host communities in the DESOPADEC.

Present at the meeting, which had a large turn out, were other state executive members of HOSTCOM, ethnic chairmen, including the host, Comrade John Hillary.

Also present were representatives of some traditional rulers such as Chief Ojoh Anthony, rep. of HRM King Uche Irenuma, the Obi of Abowo Kingdom and Chief (Dr.) Lawrence Onyeru rep. of the Obi of Mibiri.

Supporting Okowa is HOSTCOM's Business - Isibeluo

...as Engr. Umukoro urges group's unity

The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Delta state chapter, has said its business is to support Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the gubernatorial candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in the elections to come.

HOSTCOM, through its state chairman, Snr. Evangelist Gabriel Isibeluo, noted that the works of the governor these past three and half years brought about the decision.

Speaking Monday, in Ughelli Kingdom Hall, Ughelli North council area of Delta state, at its town hall meeting with Urhobo ethnic nationality on the sensitization and mobilization of indigenes towards the forthcoming general elections, the chairman told the people to be weary of those who come with "sweet words" to ask for their votes.

According to him, Gov. Okowa made promises to the group and has fulfilled most of them, hence the need to throw their weights behind his bid to be re-elected.

He noted that if not for being docile, the group may have produced a commissioner or board member in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), in the current dispensation.

"If not for our mistakes, we would have produced some board members. Why did we become beggars? Because as a pressure group, after voting, we go to sleep. This time we say, no. Before we vote, we will invite the governor, we will tell him what we want and he will tell us his agenda for us.

"As a group, we want to move from being passive to an action group. We are going to vote one mind so that our demands also, will be granted. We have so many things this government has done for us. They gave us two SAs and six waterways appointments, but this time we want to graduate to producing commissioners.

"The business of HOSTCOM is supporting Okowa. We were not given money to campaign for Okowa. What is good is worth commending. We want people to who will give us promises and fulfill them.

"All these years, we cannot say we have enjoyed DESOPADEC, but when we produce one commissioner, the music will change. I know that is what we are about to achieve. On March 2nd, HOSTCOM will speak, men, women, youths, ethnic chairmen will speak. I know that when we do it, God will give us what we want," Isibeluo stated.

Remarking on the unity of the pressure group grâce à the intervention of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare ll, he assured that the gas penalty revenue and surveillance jobs due to the people of oil and gas region will be achieved.

Also speaking, a patron to Urhobo HOSTCOM, Hon. (Engr.) James Umukoro encouraged the group to foster unity, just as he charged them to support the initiative of delivering the governor.

"One thing that destroys a group is disunity. Let's support our chairman, lets support the executive on this project. We have the strength, we won't  have what it takes to achieve. We must work together to deliver this project."

On her part, the woman leader, Urhobo ethnic nation Deaconess (Mrs.) Faith Okovwuri disclosed the women had resolved that the governor should continue till 2023.

Said she: "Okowa knows we need empowerment, micro credit and work for our children. We say he should go for second tenure.

"Appreciate" Okowa on peace, Urhobo Youths to Buhari

Meanwhile, the youth body of HOSTCOM Urhobo ethnic nationality has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to commend Delta state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa on the existing peace in the oil state. 

The youths, through their leader, Comrade Sweet Otiotio, noted that it is no mere feat to govern a complex state without having conflicts.

Declaring their unwavering support for the governor, Otiotio urged him to remember the youths in when he returns to office.

"We call on President Buhari to appreciate the governor of Delta state, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa. It is not easy to rule this state without problems from the oil sector, especially pipeline vandalism. We, the youths of Urhobo are solidly behind him. We also want him to have us in mind in terms of appointments and job opportunities," the youth leader said.