Egbema Focus Group Responds to Attack on Okpoye: “Focus on Merit, Not Sentiment”

The Egbema Focus Group (EFG) has issued a caution against inflammatory speech directed at Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye, the commissioner representing the Ijaw ethnic nationalities on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC). This caution comes in response to an attack by Comrade Williams Ayoromiegha Junior, a youth leader from the Ogulagha Kingdom, who criticized Commissioner Okpoye based on sentiment. The EFG stated that Hon. Spencer is regarded as a blessing to DESOPADEC and a key representative for the Ijaw ethnic nationalities on the DESOPADEC board.

According to the Ogulagha Kingdom Publicity Secretary, Comrade Williams had described the endorsement of Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye as a “wrong and unnecessary move,” stressing that the endorsement is unpatriotic to his people. He added that endorsements should be based on merit and the excellent performance of a leader, claiming that Okpoye has done nothing to deserve such an endorsement while the Ogulagha Kingdom is yet to feel the positive impact of DESOPADEC under Okpoye as the commissioner representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality.

The stakeholders of the Egbema Focus Group, including Comrade Mingo Meshach Saya Ogumaka, also known as KingdomVoice, cautioned against tribal or kingdom bias when criticizing appointees from other kingdoms, particularly within DESOPADEC. Mingo emphasized the importance of fairness and warned against selective criticism, where individuals from certain kingdoms attack appointees from other areas while refusing to hold their own appointees accountable for their actions.

He stressed that all leaders, regardless of their kingdom or background, should be evaluated based on their performance and service to the people. Mingo called for unity and constructive dialogue across different Ijaw kingdoms to ensure that appointees in positions of authority work in the best interest of the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality, rather than being subjected to biased and discriminatory attacks.

The Egbema Focus Group regards the attack as an unwelcome development, emphasizing that Okpoye has been doing his best to serve the Ijaw people and fulfill his responsibilities in the commission. They urged for constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetoric, calling for unity and collaboration among the Ijaw youth to ensure progress for the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality in DESOPADEC.

The Egbema youth leader, Mingo, stated that the endorsement of Hon. Spencer Okubo Okpoye by the Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council was based on his merits and notable achievements in his role as the commissioner representing the Ijaw ethnic nationalities on the DESOPADEC board. The youth council acknowledged Okpoye’s efforts and dedication to advancing the interests of the Ijaw people, as well as his contributions toward community development through the commission.

His tenure has seen strides in addressing the needs of his constituents, and the Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council believes that Okpoye’s performance justifies his position. The endorsement highlights his commitment to ensuring that DESOPADEC continues to benefit the Ijaw communities and underscores the importance of merit-based recognition for leadership roles.