“The task of nation building must be delegated to the young, to stay in the arena of public life and tussle with our children would be wrong because it would prolong the din and strife”.
These timeless words of
the late sage and nationalist, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in his poem entitled “The Young Old Man” may have provided the impetus for the navigation of Pastor Joe Dappa in the murky waters of politics.
Born 37 years ago to Chief and Mrs. Howard Opanwa Dappa at Obete-Ndoki Community, in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Joe Dappa possesses a princely gait and aristocratic mannerisms, which are evident in his tacit good leadership dispositions in the society. He is a gentleman par excellence and a house-hold name in the politics of Oyigbo having stood the test of time as Assistant Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The reason is not far-fetched. Dappa has the pedigree and has always displayed the requisite ideological orientation to pilot the affairs of his people as an elected Executive Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area come this year’s Local Government election in Rivers State.
Pastor Dappa, an indefatigable handsome and intelligent gentleman is no doubt an idol. This great political tactician and strategist, prepared himself from natal for the challenges ahead when he attended the prestigious Community Primary School, Obete Ndoki from 1985 – 1991. Thereafter, the amiable young man of no mean repute proceeded to Community Secondary School, Obete Ndoki from 1991-1997.
Due to his high level intellectual status and organizational acumen, he was Assistant Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oyigbo LGA from 2013-2020.
Pastor Joe Dappa, as an astute and intrepid politician came to limelight in the nation’s polity nearly a decade ago when he launched his debut political onslaught in the botched Sixth Republic in which he lucidly emerged as Councilor in his Ward, but was later edged out in controversial circumstances by a gang of political hegemonists. This he accepted in good faith due to his stoical nature.
Our subject, a paragon of selfless service and humility borne out of the fear of God after due consultations owing to persistent calls to serve in a higher capacity by members of his constituency was selected to take a shot at the next election as Executive Chairman of Oyigbo LGA under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On this score, he told The Tide that he is poised to serve his people better in the capacity of Executive Chairman of the local goverment.
This, is a bid to provide a purposeful leadership and take inhabitants of Oyigbo Council area to the promise land, where milk and honey are enormous, now in sight.
Pastor Dappa, a seasoned gospel preacher and God’s chosen vessel, and presently the General Overseer of Power of Ezekiel Ministries, Marine Base, Port Harcourt.
Having built bridges of understanding across the length and breath of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Pastor Joe Dappa has come to be the Peoples Man Friday. The old, the young, and even the non-indigenes are rooting for this political iconoclast because of his hard work and detribalized nature.
What more do we need to convince the skeptics that Pastor Dappa have been ordained and divinely anointed for the Chairmanship position. Everything it would appear have been heavenly orchestrated to endorse him for the position when the people in their wisdom zoned the Chairmanship slot to Umuokobo Autonomous Clan, Comprising, Umuagbai, Mgbu, Azuogu, Marihu, Okpontu and Obete – Ndoki Communities, especially Oyigbo Ward 6, the country place of Pastor Joe Dappa. The voice of the people they say is the voice of God. God has spoken through the electorate and it will come to pass. It will not be wrong ! he is called the man with the “Divine Mandate”.
Besides, he is shoulder above other aspirants considering his antecedents as the servant of the Most High God and the people.

By: Bethel Toby