IKA STALLION SERIES
VOL/ISS/EOFB/15
Ewere Okonta
08037383019
OUR IKA STALLION GUEST OF THE WEEK IS:
HON PETER ONYEISI IDION
- Executive Assistant (EA) to the Executive Governor of Delta State on Political Matters (Non-Indigene Affairs)
“Mankind will never see an end of trouble until lovers of wisdom come to hold political power, or the holders of power become lovers of wisdom.”
- Plato.
A politician is a person active in party politics, or a person holding or seeking office in government.
Politicians propose, support and create laws or policies that govern the land and by extension, its people.
But, Hon Peter Onyeisi Idion, is not your regular politician, he prefers to be called an activist in politics.
He is so passionate about his views on any issue, blunt, persuasive and convincing in pushing his narratives.
When I reminded him, that politicians are not supposed to be too blunt on their speeches; he retorted by informing me that as a retired Custom officer, they were trained to speak as directly as possible.
HON PETER IDION AS A POLITICAL LEADER
Political leaders are typically responsible for managing the party’s relationship with the general public.
In the political circle of Ika Nation, Hon Idion, is one of the public faces representing his political party (Peoples Democratic Party, PDP) and one of the major contact between his party and the general public.
His political sphere of influence covers the entire Ika Federal Constituency and even beyond.
HON PETER IDION AS A GOOD POLITICAL LEADER
Politically, he is an honest man who is responsible for his own actions and decisions, always willing to admit when he or his party makes a mistake.
He focusses his energy and time on representing the interest of his people.
He is not a petty man.
THE 5 ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF A GREAT LEADER
Being a good leader is not easy. While a leader’s actions may be scrutinized when things are going bad, it is their leadership qualities that shine through the worst of times.
The best leaders like Hon Idion, exhibit certain qualities that make them hugely successful.
Here are the attributes:
1. CLARITY: They are clear and concise at all times.
2. DECISIVENESS: Once they have made up their mind, they don’t hesitate to commit- it’s all hands on deck.
3. COURAGE: Boldness is both something you can develop and something that is blessed as a virtue.
4. PASSION: There is nothing more inspirational than seeing someone who cares about what they do-the best leaders exhibit boundless energy and passion for what they do.
5. HUMILITY: While confidence is a very attractive trait in leaders, there is nothing like a humble character which creates a lovable personality.
My esteemed readers, I present to you Hon Peter Onyeisi Idion, my guest of the week on Ika Stallion Series.
He is a man of integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, resilience, vision, influence and positivity.
Enjoy the excerpt of the interview I had with him were he shared varied areas of interest with me.
ISS: May we meet you, Sir?
Today’s Stallion: My name is Peter Onyeisi Idion, I’m a retired Custom Officer and currently the Executive Assistant(EA) on Political Matters (Non Indigene Affairs) to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.
I was born a twin, on 10th March, 1958 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Idion. My father is both from Oza Nogogo and Alisimie in Ika South Local Government Area, while my mother is both from Alisimie and Akumazi in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Although, my twin brother, Paul Jnr is late (may his gentle soul continue to rest in peace). I miss him greatly.
My late father, Pa Julius Idion, was a Military Nurse, in charge of Ex-Service Men Battalion, Nigeria Army.
My late mum, Mrs. Veronica Idion (Nee Ulebor), was a big time Garri trader and other foodstuffs. Her best friends then were Mama Isi Jekor Elu, lates Mama AU, Mama Alijor etc.
The only fond memories I had of my late parents was that they were very good Christians and generous. I learnt the spirit of generosity from them.
I remember how my Dad used to buy all sort of drugs and used it to treat people in his mini clinic free of charge in anywhere he is posted to as an Army Officer. Early in the morning and evening, you see people who are sick coming to our house for free medical treatment.
ISS: How was your growing up like?
Hon Peter Idion: I had a wonderful upbringing with a strong Catholic background. I was a Mass Server in St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church Agbor.
I grew up at Umudien Street and Mariere Street axis in Agbor with the following persons Jude Onya, Kas Okonta, Gabriel Ayomoh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, late Isaac Iyoha, Pat Akpeyin, Dr. Mrs. Pauline Tibi, Felix Ogala, Tony and Bernard Orewa, late Emma Omeke, Emma Scotland, Dr. Patrick Nwachokor among others.
ISS: Which primary school did you attend?
Hon Peter Idion: I attended St. Paul Primary School, Agbor, now known as Charles Bur Primary School.
ISS: Which secondary School did you attend?
Hon Peter Idion: I attended St. Columbus College, Agbor. Up Colo Gramms!
ISS: What was your first career choice?
Hon Peter Idion: I had no career choice, I had always relied on God to choose and direct my path as a Catholic Mass Server.
That upbringing of waking up early in the morning to attend Mass before going to School shaped my life.
ISS: Let’s talk about your work experience.
Hon Peter Idion: As soon as I finished my secondary school, in 1977, I was employed by the Bendel State Ministry of Economic Development in Benin City. I was deployed to the Treasure Department in Sapele.
By 1979, a good friend of mine Mr. D.N.C Onuora, influenced my employment into the Nigerian Custom and Excise as a Revenue/Enforcement/Marine Officer after the initial training I was posted to Koko Port.
I have worked in various Custom Units and Commands across Nigeria. Maiduguri, Tincan, Apapa, Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Niger State, Calabar, Abuja, Onitsha etc.
I was in Valuation Unit at Tincan and Apapa for 18 years. I have also worked at the following units: Enforcement, Cargo, Inspection, Excise/Duty, Investigation etc. I was Special Assistant to three different Area Comptrollers in KLT, Lilypond and Vehicle/Container terminals.
Because of the trust and knowledge in Custom duties, at a time, no container or vehicle exit the ports without my signatures.
My bosses believe so much in my honesty and trusted me to the extent of giving me powers above my seniors and rank mates. But I never used it to disrespect those above me in seniority because I know one day I may work under them as I already know that power is transient.
I served the Nigerian Custom from 1979 to 2014. I retired meritoriously and became a pensioner till date.
ISS: Let’s talk about your Tertiary Education Background.
Hon Peter Idion: Ok
Diploma in Public Administration, University of Maiduguri.
BSc Political Science, University of Maiduguri.
ISS: Your transition from the Nigerian Custom to Politics seems to be seamless. What is the secret?
Hon Peter Idion: You know, my late twin brother Paul Jnr was very active in politics since 1999 till his death and we were very close. I started paying attention to politics in 1999 with him while I was in the service.
He had so many friends then and some of them were late Chief Sunny Akpeyin, Hon Sunny Ogwu, Hon Godwin Ezedom, Hon Cosmas Gbinije etc.
When he died, I inherited all his friends (laughs) and they became my friends till date.
Late Hon Sunny Akpeyin and Hon Sunny Ogwu, who is now the SUBEB Chairman shaped my life in politics.
In 2007, I took leave of absence to contest election for Delta State House of Assembly but because the Party is supreme, some of the leaders met and asked me to step down for Rt Hon Martins Okonta.
When I stepped down, a large sum of money was giving to me by Rt Hon Martins Okonta, but I rejected it because I did it for God and for peace to be in our great Party as an honest Party man.
It was painful but I went back to my job.
My relationship with Rt Hon Okonta, remains cordial till date as he always says that he remains grateful to Agbor people for what they did for him.
However, it is only God that sees his heart (laughs).
I learnt some lessons from that experience.
More so, the contact was established.
So when I retired from the Nigerian Custom in 2014, it was natural for me to tap into those experiences and contacts that was earlier established.
I met Hon Sunny Ogwu, who is a master tactician in the game of Ika south politics till date, he was the arrow head of a group called ‘Parliament’ headed by late Hon Sunny Akpeyin. They were in control of the Ika South politics then.
They had everything going for them as a united force. I learnt so much from that group because we had the good, the bad and the ugly among us.
The maximum leader of the ‘Parliament’ was a great man and a great fighter with abilities to take on anything until he began to derail because he will never appreciate those working with him.
The death of Hon Sunny Akpeyin gave rise to the fall of that group. Hon Sunny Ogwu that was supposed to become the next leader of the group left as a result of irreconcilable differences.
The great and very organized maximum leader changed his character towards his core members that were ready to take the bullet for him, and they left him in droves.
And the ‘Parliament’ died a natural death.
ISS: Tell us the various political positions that you have held since you joined active politics in 2014
Hon Peter Idion: I have held the following political positions since I joined partisan politics.
1. Director of Protocol, Senator Okowa Campaign Organisation, 2011
2. Member, Delta State Land and Allocation Committee, 2014.
3. Special Assistant (SA), Community Relations, to the Governor of Delta State. 2015 – 2019.
4. Presently, Executive Assistant (EA), Political Matters (Non Indigene Affairs) to the Governor of Delta State.
ISS: What are your functions as the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Governor on Political Matters (Non Indigene affairs)?
Hon Peter Idion: My functions are as follows:
1. To identify with the leaders of the Ohaneze, Arewa, Oduduwa and other Cultural organizations in the State.
2. To sensitize them on the programmes, policies and actions of the State Government.
3. To ensure that they are law abiding.
4. To give them sense of belonging.
5. To ensure peaceful coexistence between them and their host communities.
6. To take good care of their welfare etc.
ISS: What is your political philosophy?
Hon Peter Idion: I strongly believe in politics of empowerment, helping the less privileged, capacity building and mentorship.
These too, are also Governor Okowa’s political philosophy that we learnt from him. That is why his wealth is usually in the hands of his people.
ISS: What is your views about political godfatherism?
Hon Peter Idion: It is a no no for me. I don’t encourage it.
Godfatherism is another name for dictatorship.
It encourages mediocracy at the expense of meritocracy.
I’m all for collective leadership, were we use the man with the superior ideas or templates to work as a team at that point in time.
ISS: Who is your role model?
Hon Peter Idion: God is my role model.
I don’t look up to any man, because man can disappoint but God can never disappoint you.
If God cannot fix it, nobody can fix it.
ISS: What is your philosophy to giving?
Hon Peter Idion: Giving is a calling from God. I give without restraint especially to the work of God. I don’t give for people to praise me; I give to please God.
Don’t you see how happy Gov. Okowa, Jim Ovia, Mrs Cairo Ojougboh, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Alex Onyeagwu, Rev Fr Mario Dibie and even our own Dien of Agbor, these are great givers to mankind.
You see how they sacrifice for people; they are fulfilled inside out.
God will continue to protect and bless the giver. Blessed are the ones that gives, they shall inherit the kingdom of God.
ISS: What is your philosophy to life?
Hon Peter Idion: Live and let live. Eat and give your brother to eat. ‘Kpura Kpura, onye Kpura oye wene’.
We will die and leave all these earthly things. It is all vanity upon vanity. Be your brother’s keeper.
Avoid hatred and always show love to your neighours.
ISS: Tell us your best quotes
Hon Peter Idion: (a) “One-minute of grace from God is greater than 20 years of hard labour”
(b) “May the Grace of God continue to shower upon the Children”
(c) “Good comes from good and bad comes from bad. It is good to be good in life”.
ISS: What is your advice to the younger politicians?
Hon Peter Idion: The younger politicians should be humble, respectful and do away with arrogance.
They should be prayerful. The efficacy of prayers should always be in their mind. The will of God is the best way.
They should always believe in themselves.
ISS: You look so trimmed, how do you keep fit?
Hon Peter Idion: Smiles. I keep fit by going to the gym. I do walk out every morning. I eat right and I sleep well.
I’m also working on my belle (smiles). The goal is to be as trimmed as that of the (SSG 01) Barr Chiedu Ebie, the Secretary to the Delta State Government, who is another great Ika personality that is doing extremely well in life. His limits are beyond the sky.
ISS: Who are the great personalities that you admire in Ika land?
Hon Peter Idion: I won’t lie to you, let me pick my in-laws first, because charity begins from home and for the facts that they are taking good care of my sisters, I have to thank them: Hon Raymond Mgbakor and Hon Moses Iduh.
I admire the simplicity of Charles Aniagwu, the Honourable Commissioner for Information. That is not say that I don’t admire Hilary Ibegbulem, Ifeanyi Eboigbe or Rt Hon Victor Nwaokolo or the workaholic Ika North East Chairman, Barr Victor Ebonka.
ISS: What makes you happy?
Hon Peter Idion: Helping people makes me happy, especially when I see smiles on their faces.
ISS: What was your lowest point in life?
Hon Peter Idion: When I lost my twin brother, Paul Jnr. I miss him so much.
Also the death of my beloved sister, that one too, affected me so much. I’m yet to recover from her death because we were so closed.
ISS: What was your highest point in life?
Hon Peter Idion: The day I became a pensioner and when Governor Okowa won his gubernatorial election, when my own greatest junior brother, Hon Sunny Ogwu was reappointed as the SUBEB Chairman.
Above all, when Hon Jude Onya became the PDP Chairman in Ika south Local Government Area.
I must not also forget the day I became a Rotarian through the assistance of Dr. Ugbo, Dr. Tibi and the President, Mrs Nkechi.
ISS: You sound so prayerful?
Hon Peter Idion: What else can I do if not prayer. God said come o ye who are burden and I will give you peace.
Prayers has led me up to where I’m today.
It is not easy to served 35 years in the Nigerian Custom, retired and still look like a 23 years old boy (smiles). If not supplications to God, what else? I told you earlier about the efficacy of prayers. You can’t compare it with any other thing.
God is good all the time.
ISS: What is your next political moves:
Hon Peter Idion: I do not have any, I take things as it comes. I always plan for now and allow God the chance to take care of tomorrow.
ISS: Is nice having you as my guest on this platform.
Hon Peter Idion: God bless you my son, Ewere Okonta, I am so honoured and proud of you for the fantastic job that you are doing in profiling Ika sons and daughters.
HON PETER ONYEISI IDION, CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES ON YOUR INDUCTION INTO THE IKA STALLION HALL OF FAME.
©Ewere Okonta.
Email: ewereokonta20@gmail.com
Website: www.ewereokonta.com
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