INYA President, Umuakpo laments lack of Federal presence in Isoko

By

Kelvin Ohoror

The newly elected President of Isoko National Youths Assembly (INYA) Comrade Ovie Umuakpo has lamented the lack of Federal presence in Isoko nation as result of neglect and exclusion from the non-violent phase of the amnesty program in Isoko land. He noted this during a press briefing recently at Aradhe, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State and wondered why Isoko nation still lacking behind despite its fifth position as the largest onshore producer of crude oil in Nigeria.

According to the INYA president, “since 1979 no Isoko son or daughter has been appointed into the Federal Executive Council. The Isoko Nation has been consistently sidelined in major policy decisions affecting the Niger Delta and the country at large and are conspicuously absent from every list of appointments announced by the present administration; noting that, the Federal character principle which was enshrined in the constitution to protect minorities has not benefited the Isoko Nation”.

Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, president INYA

He noted in dismay that, the Isoko Youths who were the pioneer of the Niger-Delta struggle are conspicuously excluded from the non-violent phase of the amnesty program with regards to on-going scholarship program for those who wish to further their education at masters level whereas youths from sister ethnic groups are already benefiting same. While our youths did not take to violence and vandalism as our neighbour did, our crude oil flowed freely and financed an economy that was battered by vandalism. We opted to be peaceful and took steps to protect these facilities, but the government of Nigeria has rewarded violence and undermines the peaceful Isoko Youths.

He however called on the president Buhari led federal government to convert the Delta State polytechnic, Ozoro, to federal polytechnic, Ozoro stating that, it is very improper that one of the major producers of crude oil which is the livewire of our economy, would lack federal touch except army check points and police stations, whereas the federal government would find it difficult to survive without the contribution of Isoko Nation.

Comrade Umuakpo also frowned with heaviness of heart the further marginalization and neglect of Isoko’s in Ndokwa East who for no fault of theirs were made to be part of Ndokwa East.

Comrade Umuakpo therefore, affirmed support for the restructuring of Nigeria, noting that, there have been several secessionist calls across the nation, however we want to align ourselves with those calling for the urgent restructuring of the unbalanced federal equation which has at the very best achieved nothing, but gross marginalization of minority ethnic groups like the Isoko Nation to reflect the vision of our founding fathers where every federating unit will be viable as well as protected.

INYA president also berated the Buhari led administration in the recent NNPC massive shake-up which was not only supposed to strengthen the NNPC but also fill gaps created due to statutory retirement of staffs, but was done in total disregard of the Isoko nation, the Niger-Delta region and the entire minorities southern Nigerian, saying that, the recent appointments offend the principle of federal character upon which our federalism is founded.

The Isoko youths leader also condemn in totality the continuous invasion of Isoko communities of Ofagbe, Umeh, Ellu, Aradhe, Enhwe and the recent attack on Iyede by Fulani Herdsmen, stating that, the attack is threatening the ordinarily peaceful Isoko region into a volatile zone as it is becoming apparent that host communities may result to taking up arms to forestall any further loss of lives and properties to the rampaging herdsmen.

He therefore, urged the federal government to take urgent steps to create grazing reserves in Northern Nigeria to prevent further migration of the rampaging herdsmen who are wrecking havoc across Isoko communities and the whole of southern Nigeria.

The INYA president therefore, warned the Buhari led administration to adhere to their demands and open talks with Isoko elders and youths leaders with a view to enrolling into the amnesty program. The FG must act urgently to dissuade the overtly peaceful and patient youths of Isoko extraction from the growing notion that development of our region can only become feasible by violent agitation. If not they will be force to use other means, he stated.