IDF urges Okowa to appoint Isoko indigene as DESOPADEC chairman

The Isoko Democracy Forum (IDF) has urged the governor of Delta state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to appoint an Isoko indigene as chairman of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

The national co-ordinator of the forum, Mr Samuel Osuofa made this appeal while congratulating Governor Okowa for his second term victory and inauguration, he had informed the audience during a sensitization programme organised by Isoko Democracy Forum that it has come to the turn of Isoko nation to produce the next chairman of DESOPADEC, looking at the fact that, the Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ijaw nations had produced the chairmanship of the agency.

The sensitization programme held at Oleh, the headquarters of Isoko nation was used to sensitized the Isoko people towards achieving the goals and aspirations of the founding fathers of the Isoko nation. The forum observed and noticed that all appointments made so far since May 29th when this administration came into existence, no Isoko indigene has been appointed into any key position and at the state House of Assembly the Isoko nation has no key position.

The national co-ordinator who gave reasons why the sensitization programme was organised while briefing the press had noted that since 1999 of the country nascent democracy the Isoko people had not been appointed into any key position, either at national level or state level is worrisome and there is need to always remind those in authority with programmes like this to present the level of marginalization to them. He noted that, not quite long ago, the president of this country had said, he never knew there is an ethnic nationality like Isoko in Nigeria during the visit of Isoko traditional ruler to him at Abuja.

“With the above statement, there is need for some of us to organise programmes like this to showcase the Isoko identity to the world. It is hoped that our message will get to the governor as quickly as possible so that whenever DESOPADEC board will be constituted, an Isoko indigene should be appointed chairman as consolation for the moment” he noted.