By the Isoko Integrity Group (IIG)
The attention of the Isoko Integrity Group (IIG) and the progressive family in Isoko nation, has been drawn to a hastily concocted and incendiary publication titled “Oyede Riot Act: Why Sheriff Must Call Senator Joel to Order” authored by a certain Comrade Gideon Ogidigbo, who claims to speak for “One Vo justice Political Forum.” This is not only a blatant mischaracterization of the Oyede unity meeting of June 8, 2025, but also a clumsy attempt to sow disaffection, inflame internal rancour, and mislead the APC faithful in Isoko North and beyond.
Let it be known without equivocation: this publication is being rebutted in full by the Isoko Integrity Group (IIG), and rightly so. It is nothing but a reckless distortion of facts, propelled by ulterior motives and masked in the garb of activism. It is nothing short of political blackmail.
The description of Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas’ speech as “a riot act” or “a show of dominance” is a complete falsehood and an affront to the truth. The Senator’s remarks, as reported in credible quarters and witnessed by respected stakeholders at the event, were laden with appeals for party discipline, unity, and respect for hierarchy; a recurring theme from all the speakers that day. In fact, he specifically acknowledged the transition of party leadership to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging all members to align with that structure for the good of the party. That is not tyranny; it is party loyalty in action.
If anything, Senator Joel’s speech was a call to order, not a declaration of war. He never imposed himself as a sole authority, neither did he usurp structures. What he did was reinforce the values of coherence and respect in a party that has suffered from factional saboteurs.
We must ask: Who is Comrade Gideon Ogidigbo, and who does he speak for? APC has a known communication structure and respected media spokespersons. The so-called “One Vo justice Political Forum” is an unregistered, faceless outfit used as a front for mischief-making. His attempt to rally attention by invoking the Governor’s name is dishonest and desperate.
Let it be clear: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has never mandated nor sanctioned any attack on Distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas. The writer’s use of the governor’s name is a fraudulent invocation aimed at fueling division where none exists.
More importantly, perhaps someone should kindly explain to Mr. Ogidigbo, since he appears grossly unfamiliar with the fundamentals of party structure and political tradition, that as it stands, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the National Leader of the APC. Would Ogidigbo now argue that former President Muhammadu Buhari remains the leader of the APC? Clearly, even for a political amateur, such a proposition would be laughable.
Where was Comrade Ogidigbo when Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was publicly acknowledged as the leader of the party in Delta State during the monumental defection event at Asaba, where former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa himself was present? Was it not at that very moment that party alignment was openly affirmed?
And while we are educating this self-styled activist, let us remind him: when Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor Okuweh was in the House of Representatives representing Isoko North and South, was he not the acknowledged political leader of the Isoko nation within the PDP? Was he accused of overstepping or simply exercising the legitimacy of his office?
The answer is simple: leadership is not grabbed; it is conferred by the weight of office and the recognition of peers. In the same vein, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, by virtue of his current office, remains the highest-ranking elected official from Isoko and indeed the Delta South Senatorial District. It is not a matter of contest; it is a constitutional reality. To deny him his earned deference is to betray both ignorance and envy.
The reference to past lawmakers such as Senator James Manager and Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor is a false equivalence. No two political dispensations are identical. Leadership styles differ; what remains important is effectiveness and commitment to the people. Senator Joel has shown unprecedented capacity by bridging federal opportunities to the grassroots, even amidst significant political hurdles.
The attempt to portray him as an “outsider” to Isoko North is divisive, parochial, and anti-progressive. Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas is the senator of the entire Delta South, not of a single local government. He was at Oyede in full legitimacy and invitation, welcomed by all, and participated as a principal actor, not an intruder. To frame him otherwise is to play petty ethnic politics that the APC family has consistently rejected.
While the mischief-maker cries foul, he conveniently ignores the massive turnout and cross-party realignment that occurred in Oyede. Former PDP leaders defected to the APC in full glare of the public. The event was historic and unifying. It reinforced the fact that APC is consolidating strength and building bridges in Isoko North, much to the chagrin of those who thrive on chaos.
The publication’s suggestion that the meeting failed to endorse the Governor or the President is a pathetic misrepresentation. Loyalty to the Governor and the President was consistently reaffirmed in tone, context, and content; albeit without theatrical applause. Senator Joel’s speech explicitly underscored support for both the Renewed Hope Agenda and the M.O.R.E. Agenda.
This bitter outburst is not about Senator Joel. It is about 2027. It is about political desperadoes already panicking at the rising influence of APC in Isoko North. These elements, who often oscillate between parties depending on political tides, are trying to pit one leader against another, and in so doing, weaken the APC from within.
But the APC is wiser. The party cannot be blackmailed or distracted. The likes of Comrade Ogidigbo represent the very elements that have held the party hostage in the past; anonymous agitators with no electoral value but high nuisance quotient.
To all APC faithful, the Isoko Integrity Group urges: disregard this publication entirely. It is a political hit job masked as a moral crusade. Remain united around the core principles of loyalty, hierarchy, and internal discipline. Recognize the contributions of all leaders, including Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, without resorting to factional innuendos. Focus on consolidation, grassroots mobilization, and preparation for the battles ahead, not on fabricated divisions.
Let this be known: The Oyede Unity Meeting was a success. It welcomed defectors, reaffirmed leadership cohesion, and set the tone for a stronger, forward-looking APC. The attack by this so-called “concerned voice” is a desperate attempt to derail that progress. But the APC in Isoko North and, indeed across Delta South, will not be swayed by bitter outbursts from anonymous sidelines.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas remains a respected leader in Delta South. His call for discipline and unity must be seen for what it is: a timely message from a patriot, not the rant of a dictator.
The APC must march on. No room for saboteurs. No time for distractions.
Signed:
1. Hon. Engr Vincentino Ovie Oberebe
2. Sir Divramredje, Lawrence Efeturi (IIG, Publicity Secretary)
3. Comr. Sagacious Onaemo Louis (Isoko north coordinator)
4. Dr Alex Ubuluku (Isoko south coordinator) .
