The member representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rep. Pst. Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has urged Isoko people to strengthen their unity and support political initiatives capable of attracting greater development to the area.
Ukodhiko made the call while hosting Isoko legal practitioners attending the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking at a reception organised in honour of the lawyers, the lawmaker commended their contributions to the legal profession and the development of Isoko Nation, describing the NBA conference as an important platform for professional advancement, intellectual exchange and networking.
He urged the lawyers, as influential members of society, to use their positions to promote peace, unity and harmonious relationships among Isoko people, irrespective of political differences.
Ukodhiko also called for continued support for the administration of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, saying the governor’s efforts towards peace and development across the state required the cooperation of the people.
He further advocated constructive collaboration between Isoko communities, the Delta State Government and the Federal Government, expressing optimism that sustained cooperation and continuity in government policies would enable the people to benefit more from ongoing reforms and development initiatives.
The lawmaker cited the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, and other proposed federal institutions as examples of opportunities that could contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of Isoko land.
Ukodhiko also charged Isoko lawyers and other professionals to become more actively involved in politics, stressing that political power was not given freely and that educated and accomplished professionals could not afford to remain on the sidelines.
“Power is not freely given. People who are learned and have the capacity to contribute to society cannot afford to sit idle,” he told the lawyers.
Responding, Barr. Sylvester Omonina commended Ukodhiko for his performance in the House of Representatives, particularly among first-term federal lawmakers from Delta State.
Prince Kennedy Onorikuta urged the lawmaker to continue to surround himself with competent and intelligent people while establishing a structured platform for regular engagement with Isoko professionals, including members of the NBA.
Also speaking, Barrister Gabriel Esegine, an Owhelogbo indigene based in Abuja, commended Ukodhiko after reviewing his legislative scorecard and advised him to expand his social network and remain accessible to his constituents.
Esegine specifically appealed to the lawmaker to prioritise efforts towards restoring electricity to Owhelogbo and other communities in Isoko.
Other lawyers used the occasion to draw attention to pressing infrastructural and professional concerns in their communities.
Barrister Princess Faith Onyonyewoma called for urgent attention to the deteriorating road situation around Barrister Fred Obe Street in Ozoro, while Barrister Bartholomew Umukoro urged Ukodhiko to sustain regular consultations with Isoko people, suggesting that such engagements could be held every six months.
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Umukoro also stressed the importance of electricity to Isoko communities and appealed to the lawmaker to support efforts to make the NBA House in Oleh more functional and accessible to members of the profession.
Similarly, Barrister Othadua Okpakpor emphasised the need to strengthen the relationship between elected representatives and their constituents through regular engagement and consultation.
The lawyers’ interventions centred on the need for greater unity, improved infrastructure, accessibility of elected representatives, professional engagement and stronger collaboration between political leaders and Isoko professionals.
In his response, Ukodhiko thanked the lawyers for their candid contributions and constructive counsel, assuring them of his continued commitment to peace, unity and effective representation.
He maintained that the development of Isoko remained a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of political leaders, professionals, traditional institutions and the wider community.
