By Asaba Correspondent
Following its inability to have the presence of his ministry, an Isoko pressure group called ‘Isoko Vanguard’ in Isoko South local government area of Delta state; South-South Nigeria has accused the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, Elder Godsday Orubebe of gross marginalization of the entire people of Isoko land even as they expressed disappointment over the way and manners the Minister is treating the people in the scheme of things. In a protest letter addressed to the Minister, titled “Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and The Isoko People Need for Redress” signed by the group’s national co-ordinator, Hon. Fidelis Owhe, and copied to Governor Emmanuel Uduagha of Delta state, Security agents and made available to newsmen in Asaba said “We are constrained to write to you to complain about the gross marginalization of the entire Isoko people by your Ministry.”
The group however recalled that, during his (Minister) last visit to Isoko, he promised to accommodate the Isoko people in the programmes of his Ministry as major stake holders in the Niger Delta Project which was to include allocation of developmental projects and other infrastructure.
“We are presently very sad and most disappointed that well over two years since the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs came into being, there is nothing on ground for the Isoko people, be it projects, amenities, consultancy, youth empowerment or employment. The Isoko people were not included in the Amnesty Programme. Most disturbing is the Isoko road running from Ekiugbo-Iyede through Olomoro to Emede-Uzere junction and Iyede-Emevor, Owhe-Ozoro road which are in a very deplorable state.
Yet, the area is a conglomerate of major oil producing communities. With this state of things, our youths are already very agitated and unless urgent positive steps are taken, another round of restiveness may ensue with a conflagrating proportion.” And called on the Minister to use your good offices in addressing the enumerated imbalance to ensure the sustenance of peace in the area and give the people a sense of belonging.
