From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Youths from Isoko ethnic nationality accused the Federal Government of exclusion in the award of the multi-billion naira oil pipeline surveillance contract to Mr. Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo.
They alleged that Isoko nation was not carried along as critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region, and therefore issued a 7-day ultimatum to the government to address the injustice of be ready to contend with social disorder in the region.
In a communique issued by a coalition of eleven Isoko youth groups drawn from the 19 clans of Isoko nation, they adopted the petitions of Isoko National Youth Council addressed to the Presidency on September 25, 2022.
They urged the Federal Government to accede to their request within a 7-days or face the wrath of a people who have patiently and peaceful protected Nigeria’s economic interest.
The group also slammed the Group Executive Director, NNPC (Upstream), Mr Tombomieye Adokiye and Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva for their roles in awarding the contract to Tompolo, describing the action as an insult to the entire Isoko nation.
“It is an obvious truth, that there is a deliberate nepotistic attempt to deprive Isoko of their quota in this negotiation and riding on the back of this fact, the Isoko people cannot fold their arms this time around, because one can only accommodate oppression for so long.
“We henceforth term all those who for pecuniary interest sabotage the position of Isoko nation, as infidel and saboteurs and shall be addressed henceforth and seen as such,” they said.
The coalition also pointed out that as testament to the fact that Isoko is been considered inconsequential, an ex-agitator, Asari Dokubo who raised same alarm over the Kalabari axis of Niger Delta, has been pacified with a subcontract.
“If such could be done for the Kalabari people, it must be replicated in Isoko or it shall be interpreted strictly as a direct order from the federal government for Isoko youths to take up arms and destroy oil facilities since it is the only relevant language that is nationally understood.
“We stand firmly on our position for a fresh contract comprising of the Isoko youths or alternatively create a sub-contract deriving from the existing one.
“We are resolute on our call on the Federal Government to investigate the allegations in our earlier petition with intent to resolve them.
“We as law abiding citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who believe in its sovereignty and the need for peace for development give the federal government a 7-days ultimatum to address our plight or face the wrath of a people who have patiently and peaceful protected its interest,” the communique read.
The communique which was issued in Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State was signed by eleven youths and ex-agitators groups including President, Isoko National Youth Council (INYC), Matthew Edugbo, President, Isoko Development Union Youth Wing (IDU-YW), Mr Peter Okurakpor, President, Okugbe-Isoko Youth Movement (OYM), Mr Garvin L. Udome, President, Leaders of Ex-Agitators, President Isoko Youth Assembly (IYA), Olomu Matthew, President, Creek Voices of Isoko (CVI), President, National Forum of Isoko Youths in Bayelsa State (NFIB), Mr Agwor Lovely Okeoghene, President, Isoko Progressive Movement (IPM), Mr Tony Ewariezi, President, Watchdog of Isoko Nation (WISN), Mr Oghenewemo Jenavovwo, President, Ground Avengers of Isoko Nation (GRAVIN), Mr Ernest Usiwomano and President, Ex-Warlords of Isoko People (Ex-WIP), Mr Gordons Odimano.