A former Commissioner for Information, Hon Donald Ojogo, on Wednesday received his certificate of return for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State at the International Press Centre, Abuja
Ojogo was returned as the House of Reps-elect in the February National Assembly election where he defeated the incumbent member, Hon Sunday Akinjo, his closest rival.
Ojogo would be the first person from the Ijaw Community of Ondo State to represent the area in the National Assembly.
Since the commencement of democratic governance in Nigeria, no indigene from the area has ever made it to the National Assembly in spite of repeated attempts.
The community has produced very credible and highly respected political office holders at the state and federal level.
Ojogo election triggered widespread celebration across the Ijaw communities of Ondo State that his presence in the National Assembly would be a positive response to the identity challenge faced by many Ijaws in Ondo State.
The Arogbo Ijaws are full of praises to the two Ilaje Kingdoms of Ugbo and Mahin and the Apoi of Ese-Odo for the support given to Ojogo which made the victory possible.
The Arogbo Ijaw Patriots in a message of congratulations signed by its national coordinator, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, said that Ojogo’s election addressed one of the most disturbing concerns of the Arogbo Ijaw man in Ondo State.
“The 2023 National Assembly election has come and gone. Without doubt, the outcome of the election addressed one of the most disturbing concerns of the progressive minded Arogbo Ibe man today.
“For the first time, a son of the Ibe will represent the Ilaje/Ese Federal Constituency. This has not happened before. It comes with a indescribable level of relief and fulfillment. It comes with a load of expectations and so much hope. It is a fact that a stronghold has been pulled down.
“When an Arogbo Ibe man is in the House of Reps, it comes with multiple advantages. It tells the country that we, the marginalized and oppressed people of Arogbo Ijaw are part of Ondo State. It will do a lot of good to our hidden and shielded identity. It enhances our quest to dream with audacity.
“I pray that this possibility comes with our community’s triumph over those things we once consider impossible.
“I congratulate you on this victory. I wish you well and pray for your success as a federal lawmaker. I also pray that the Lord gives the wisdom to attract those developmental exploits so seriously needed in this deprived community.” He said
