Group Demands SSG Position, DESOPADEC MD, Others From Okowa For Isoko Nation

An Isoko non-partisan advocacy and defensive group, Isoko Monitoring Group, (IMG), has demanded for the position of Secretary to state government, three commissionership slot, attorney general as well as managing director of DESOPADEC from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

The group stated this while decrying alleged gross marginalization of her people by successive governments despite its economic contributions to the nation’s oil resources.

The group which stated that Isoko oil wealth contributions to the nation treasury was huge, claimed that successive governments have treated the Isoko people with disdain in political appointments, and infrastructural development.

In a letter entitled, “Marginalization Of Isoko Ethnic Nationality” addressed to Governor Okowa, signed by its President, Dr. Oke Michael Aziakpono, and made available to BIGPEN ONLINE on Friday, the group noted that the Isoko people deserves the best in terms of appointments.

The statement read in parts: “We want to draw your Excellency’s attention to the marginalization of the Isoko people in terms of appointments by successive and the current administration.

“It is on record that both the Deputy Governor and Senator representing the Delta South Senatorial District are from the Ijaw ethnic nationality with other important appointments from the State Government, with our Itsekiri neighbour also enjoying a better patronage than us.

“It is worthy of note that this marginalization is not only in comparism to the Delta South Senatorial District but also in comparison to the other ethnic nationalities both in Delta Central and Delta North Senatorial Districts.

“Notwithstanding this lopsidedness against our people, they have remained loyal and most supportive of your party. The support and loyalty of the Isoko people should no longer be taken for granted.

“We hereby demand that deserving sons and daughters of Isoko ethnic nationality be given appointments that are equitable compared to other ethnic nationalies in the State in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We demand among other offices, the office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Attorney-General of the State, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, three Commissioners, Chair Persons of viable boards and Senior Special Advisers.

“We want to use this opportunity to remind Your Excellency of the need for a speedy completion of the Isoko section of the Ughelli-Asaba Road, other ongoing constructions and the introduction of a mega project that you can be remembered for in Isoko land.

“We do earnestly hope that Your Excellency will reciprocate the good gesture of the Isoko people as demonstrated during the just concluded elections.”, the group added.