Isoko youths blocks Ughelli/Isoko Asaba road, demands justice

By Michael Ekokoruwe

Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA), has staged a peaceful protest at Aradhe, Isoko North local government area of Delta State over the federal government refusal to include Isoko youth into the presidential amnesty programme, Delta State government nonchalant attitude towards the dualization of Ughelli Isoko Asaba road project, mismanagement of Isoko security fund from DESOPADEC by some leaders of Isoko extraction, Heritage and Agip oil companies refusal to engage Isoko youths in the management of its operations.

Speaking to Newsmen, Comrade Ovie Umuakpor, president Isoko National Youth Assembly said, he heard of the protest by the youths and women from Aradhe community, barricading the Isoko Asaba expressway at 7.am and thereby disrupting vehicular movement. He noted that the issues raised by the youth have been presented several times to government and no attention given. Mr. Emeakpor stressed that until their grievances are addressed by the federal and state government, the youths will resort to shutting down of all oil installation in the area.

Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) led by Comrade Ovie Umuakpor

Respite came to commuters after waiting helplessly till 11.am when Chief Iduh Amaidhe, president general Isoko development union, HRM Morphy Urugbezi Oguara 1, the Ovie of Ellu kingdom, Barrister Fred Obey and a team of the Nigerian Army and the police led by CSP. N.S Attah came to the rescue. While commending the youths for their peaceful disposition, the Ovie of Ellu appealed to the youth to embrace peace just as their grievances will be handled by the state government.

Chief Amadhe said, protest is allowed and all the points raised had been noted. He appealed to the youths to clear the road and channel the issues appropriately to government, emphasizing that all their request will be addressed accordingly. He said Mr Emeakpor and some selected members of the youths are to meet with the state governor on Thursday 14^th December 2017 for dialogue and commended the youth for peaceful conduct during the protest.

 On his part, CSP N.S Attah, the divisional police officer, Ozoro Division commended the youth and urged them to remain peaceful just as their grievances have been noted. He enjoined the youth to allow government to reacts to their request amicably.