By Michael Ekokoruwe
Isoko Development Union Youth Wing, yesterday, set up an interim committee to run the affairs of the Union for a period of six months as Joel Emeni clinged the position of the president.
The event held at the Isoko Development Union (IDU) national Secretariat Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, was witnessed by the youths representatives from various clans and communities of Isoko nation.
Other members of the interim committee inaugurated includes, Othuke Idu as 1st Vice President, Akparobi Riches as 2nd Vice President, Kingsley Umukoro secretary, Emmanuel Idisi treasurer, Etume Oghenekaro women leader, Akpobome Precious public relations officer, John Odhe financial secretary and Ekemejighe Marilyn as organizing secretary.
Speaking at the event, the former president and chairman of the board of trustees, IDU Youth Wing, Comrade, Hycent Ewariezi Ede, charged the interim committee of the IDU Youth Wing, to run all inclusive administration with visionary engagement across the entire Isoko nation and in diaspora, adding that the mandate includes, organizational restructuring, with a strategic outreach to prepare for a democratic transition process.
Ewariezi called on Isoko Youth, stakeholders and Isoko sons and daughters to lend full support, co-operation and prayers to the interim leadership of the youth body, as they take-up the vital national assignment.
He maintained that the term of reference of the executive includes, rectification, review and to finalize the Union bylaws within the first 3 months, activation of the Union bank account with necessary signatory within the first one month.
Other assignments include, reorganization of the clan majors, empower and promote the Union objectives within the six months period and to prepare for the union election within four months.
In his response, the president of the IDU Youth Wing interim committee, Joel Emeni thanked God for the opportunity, and commended the youth and board of trustees for the privilege, just as he assured the people of total compliance, adding that Isoko youths will engage the natural resources of the area towards fruitfulness.
Earlier, Ewariezi Hycent Ede said, the immediate past president of the Union, Prince Mzee Obokpaino Iraroraena, got elected into the office in 2021 and ought to have exited the office in 2024, but he refused to vacate the office of IDU Youth Wing.
He maintained that the executive tenure is one year, noting that the position of the president moves to Isoko North as it rotates within Isoko South and North, adding that several letters were written to the DSS, police and Isoko traditional rulers to prevail.
Ewariezi noted that the DSS mandated the IDU President Prof. Chris Akpotu to conduct election of the youth wing, but Prince Mzee Obokpaino clung to power and boasted to rule for the second tenure as the president of the IDU Youth Wing.
He maintained that, Isoko traditional rulers and the President’ generals met and urged the parent body of IDU to set up the electoral committee, but was flouted, which according to him was the reason for the interim committee, to ensure peace and tranquility in the area.
