A group of Itsekiri youths under the aegis of Niger Delta Omega (NIDO), has issued 14 days ultimatum to the Federal Government, Delta State government and all international oil companies operating in their land to rename the location of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko as Okerenghigho as allegedly recognized by the law of Nigeria.
NIDO in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Agbogunyo Oliriogun, said government should give licenses to Itsekiri people to own and operate oil blocks and modular refineries in their land and also complete the Koko-Ogheye- Lagos road project. The group is also seeking the pilling of all Itsekiri riverine communities, employment of Itsekiri indigenes by the IOCs, provision of light, potable water, hospitals, motorable roads with bridges to connect Itsekiri areas in the Niger Delta.
Oliriogun stated that failure to meet their demands within 14 days would attract their wrath. He said: “It would be better for the IOCs to move all their personnel, equipments and installations before the end of the 14 days if they (IOCs) know they won’t be able to meet up with the demands within the stipulated days.
” NIDO said it can’t continue to sit and watch the underdevelopment and oppression of its people by the government at all levels and the international oil companies. “Though the Itsekiri nation produces about 30% of the national oil production, it is sad to note that most Itsekiris from oil producing communities have not seen a tarred road, television, an hospital, electrical powered light, fan or a car as a result of the wickedness by both the government and the IOCs in under-developing our land.