The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Isoko

  • Isoko ex-agitators want inclusion in Niger Delta talks

    A group, the Coalition of Isoko Ex-agitators Leaders, has called on the Federal Government to include former militants from the Isoko clan into the ongoing peace building talks.

    The leader of the group, which includes 15 former militants gangs, Comrade Omoyibo Julius, who spoke in Warri after an extraordinary meeting of the group, lamented that while other former agitators have had their grievances addressed. The Isoko nation has been neglected.

    Omoyibo said the oil companies operating in Isoko land notably Shell and Agip have enjoyed unprecedented peace and protection of the Isoko people buy have given nothing in return to the host communities

    The former militant said:” We have a situation of poor development,  zero social infrastructure. There is no social amenities such as schools and health centers; poor standard of living in Isoko land. But if  the government and the oil firms have tried to be forthright and responsive, in the time past, we would not have found ourselves in this decadence. “

    He urged the government to promptly consider involving the Isoko nation in the on-going pipeline security surveillance project as well as the employment of qualified isoko citizens into the oil companies operating in the region.

  • Isoko Economic Summit

    SIR: On March 30, 2017, the Isoko people gathered to discuss the theme “Harnessing Isoko Economic Potential and Opportunities for Sustainable Development.”

    Now the hope of a new beginning for an endangered Isoko is before us. The way is still long but this fresh start is critical. Beyond this Isoko Economic and Investment Summit, we really need a new way of doing things because society is always in a state of continuous change-the past, the present and the future-the major determinants of which are human actions (individual and collective).

    Some analysts have identified three major afflictions which stand in the way of Isoko liberation economically. They are anachronism, authoritarianism and supernaturalism. In summary, we Isoko people must find a way of addressing the principle of unquestioning obedience to superiors (elders); everything that the elders say must not be accepted as the right thing because in Isoko today very little premium is placed on curiosity or independence of thought among young people. Another instance, there is a deep attachment of religious significance to the office of traditional ruler. The attitude is that whatever decision the traditional ruler takes economically, or in any case, can never be questioned. As it is today in Isoko land, individualism, isolationism and independence of thought are rare features.

    On the element of authoritarianism, particularly on the political terrain, the increasing inclination to hold a political office for years without considering others is evident reflection of the past in the present and will definitely affect the future. It is not uncommon, for instance, for an Isoko leader to justify his or her authoritarian grip on power in the outdated pattern (many young people in Isoko land are just depending on one politician in Ozoro to get a car, employment etc.)  The implication is that economically these young people are tied to the politician and should anything happen to him (God forbid) the Isoko will lose more economically.

    Supernaturalism: a vast majority of the Isoko people in Diaspora still believe in the existence and influence of ancestral spirits, fetishes and witchcraft. Such metaphysical beliefs colour most of them to the extent that they will rather die with their investment abroad than return home to invest. Another supernatural belief is the importance attached to fertility, that children are a source of wealth and therefore a blessing from God, making the land over-populated and causing extensive poverty.

    Finally, the Isoko Economic and Investment Summit could not address the issue of extreme poverty mixed with visible affluence. In the same Isoko land where the masses are suffering, some political officeholders (past and present) live in conspicuously shameful affluence. Ironically, it is these excessively wealthy few who also mount the platform to deliver messages of misery to the people.

    The obstacles to Isoko Economic liberation, whether internal or external, have deep-seated historical roots which the Isoko Economic and Investment Summit couldn’t address, but it will be in our best interest to get the summit report with both hands and collectively work with the outcome of the Isoko Economic and Investment Summit.

    I am so optimistic because our destiny will always outlive the acts of individuals.

     

    • Ijebu Afoke Dickson,

    Isoko, Delta State

  • Isoko youths make fresh demands for peace in Niger Delta

    A pressure group, Isoko Dynasty Boys 19 (IDB-19), has warned oil and gas companies and intervention agencies in Isoko community of Delta State to engage youths for peace to return to Niger Delta.

    In a statement to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), multinational oil companies and security agencies, the group warned that failure of concerned organisations to heed its demand would result in what it called dire consequences.

    The statement, by Coordinator-General and Secretary, Collins Ededhor and Henry Osioh, reads: “We want the Nigerian security arms to engage Isoko youths positively in …security training, information gathering, employment and other collaborations that are legal.

    “The NDDC and DESOPADEC should involve our youths directly in all forms of skill training, acquisition and youth development. We need soft loans for young farmers’ multi-purpose unions, through their governing bodies, IDB-19 and IPYC for proper accountability.

    “To secure the reopening of our right of way (ROW) and for a cordial relationship with Isoko youths and their organs, there is a huge demand for a concrete, concise and converted MoU.”

  • Isoko youths: we’re not with Avengers

    Isoko youths, under the aegis of Isoko Dynamic Youths Association (IDYA), have distanced themselves from the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA).

    The association’s President Jamnogo Blessing told reporters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, that the reports linking his people to the NDA were maliciously misconstrued.

    Blessing said the reports were allegedly aimed at setting the group up against the Federal Government and the Isoko of Delta State.

    He said: “The Isoko Dynamic Youths Association is a socio-political organisation and a non-militant group whose goal is to canvass for the welfare of not only its members but all youths and people of Isoko in Delta State and beyond.

    “We are not militants and we do not have any link whatsoever with the Niger Delta Avengers or any other militant group under any guise.

    “As an organisation that promotes peace and abhors violence, we condemn the indiscriminate destruction and bombing of oil facilities by militant groups in Niger Delta.

    “We, therefore, state unequivocally that dialogue remains the only path to sustainable peace and development in Niger Delta and not violence or militant confrontation.

    “We urge the people of Idheze and Isoko to disregard the rumours making the rounds.”

  • Isoko women demand 40 per cent of Okowa’s appointments

    THE women wing of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) has demanded 40 per cent appointments from Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Speaking to reporters after the national convention of the IDU, Women Wing at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area, the President, Mrs. Caroline Usikpedo-Omoniyi lamented the sidelining of Isoko women in the appointments made so far.

    Stressing the need for the government to focus on women into the political positions, Usikpedo-Omoniyi thanked God, saying there is going to be new development goals that are replacing the millennium Development Goals which will be pronounced in this September and have decided that women into decision making should be a top priority.

    “We are saying that henceforth, the women wing of IDU most be given its rightful place in anything that is being done in isoko nation without begging. We are talking of infrastructure, affordable healthcare for women and children; we are talking of economic empowerment.

    “It is not enough to train people and dump them. You must ensure that they are able to stand on their own to reduce their vulnerability and poverty. We want to discuss our matters. Let no one discuss our matters on our behalf.”

  • Okowa faces Itsekiri, Isoko revolt over key appointments

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa appears to be heading for a revolt from the Ijaw and Itsekiri because of their perceived neglect in key early appointments by the new administration.

    It was gathered that the groups expressed anger over the purported hijack of key positions, such as Chief of Staff at the Government House and the Director of Protocol by Okowa’s and his Deputy’s Ika and Ijaw ethnic groups.

    It was also learnt that Okowa will today announce a former member of the National Assembly, Tams Brisibe, as the Chief of Staff to the Government House.

    Brisibe and Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro are Ijaw.

    It was learnt that one of Okowa’s kinsman, whose name could not be confirmed last night,  would be inaugurated as the Director of Protocol (DoP).

    Also, a former Commissioner of Finance from Urhobo in Delta Central is being touted to become the Secreatary to the State Government (SSG), a move that some sources said may scuttle the ambitions of Itsekiri members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who hoped the position would be zoned to them.

    Reacting to the development, Omovudu Jaro Egbo, a lawyer and member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, warned that it signalled danger for the state.

    Egbo said: “Delta is for all Deltans; prosperity must be for all Deltans.”

    The APC chieftain noted that a situation where key positions are grabbed by a section of the state would not augur well for the government or the people.

    But he added: “Change is surely coming to Delta; APC is the answer to a united Delta State.”

    Also, Okowa’s action is being perceived as a continuation of his alleged cold war with his predecessor and key members of the past government, particularly Comrade Ovouzorie Macaulay, who is seen as a diehard supporter of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s.

    One of the aggrieved PDP leaders in Warri, who spoke in confidence, likened the early appointments to “Okowa putting his worse foot first.

    He said: “This is a clear indication that Governor Okowa is coming in with a clear mindset to witch-hunt a section of the state, particularly leaders from the two ethnic groups. It is now clear that the new administration is a government of a selected few for a selected few.”

  • ‘Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri leaders yet to endorse Delta candidates’

    The Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders’ Forum (3Is) has distanced itself from claims of endorsement of candidates of any political party for next month’s general elections.

    In a statement yesterday by its Chairman, Edward Ekpoko, the forum said it had not endorsed or adopted anybody, adding that its position on the governorship and Delta South Senatorial candidates would soon be made known.

    The group said: “It has come to the knowledge of the Ijaw, Isoko  and Itsekiri Leaders Forum in Delta South Senatorial District that some politicians and aspirants are going about claiming to have been endorsed by the body for the forthcoming governorship and senatorial elections.

    “The Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders Forum has not at any time adopted any candidate for either the governorship or Delta South Senatorial seat. Though, we are aware that about three of our sons are contesting as running mate to some gubernatorial aspirants, we are yet to endorse any of them.

    “We shall make our position on the governorship and the Delta South Senatorial seat known to the public shortly. The Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri are advised to remain calm and disregard any contrary claim until our position is made known.”

     

  • Urhobo, other leaders to work for Niger Delta unity

    There appeared yesterday a ray of hope for peace in Delta State as the Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri in the Delta Central and Southern senatorial districts agreed to work for peace and harmony.

    This was the resolution of the meeting between the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders Forum (3IS) at the home of renowned historian, Pa Johnson Ayomike, in Warri.

    A communiqué jointly signed by UPU’s President-General, Chief Joe Omene and the Chairman of the 3IS, Edward Ekpoko, said the people would live together in peace and unity, observing mutual respect for one another.

    They agreed to set up a mediation committee on inter-ethnic conflicts/crisis among ethnic groups.

    “The Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities of Delta Central and South senatorial districts reaffirm their earlier resolution to live and work together in peace and unity, based on mutual respect and trust.

    “In furtherance of the above objective, it was agreed that a mediation committee on inter-ethnic conflicts/crisis among the ethnic nationalities in Delta Central and South senatorial districts shall be set up,” the communiqué said.

  • Isoko, Itsekiri, Urhobo unite for Aziza

    Isoko, Itsekiri, Urhobo unite for Aziza

    As the Urhobo nation buries its departed national leader, Gen. Patrick Aziza, the solidarity and brotherhood it shares with other ethnic nations in Delta becomes issues for discussion, writes BOLAJI OGUNDELE

    The death of the President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Gen Patrick Aziza, seems to have shown that the ethnic groups in Delta State are closer than previously thought. Ethnic nations in the Delta Central and South senatorial districts have paid  condolence visits to both the UPU and the family of the deceased. Although Isoko and Ijaw nations had earlier visited and expressed their sadness at the loss of Gen. Aziza, it was the separate visits of Itsekiri nation and that of a union formed by three ethnic nations of the two districts; Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders’ Forum (3IS) that revealed the alignments going on in the state.

    During last week’s condolence call on the late Gen. Aziza’s family, the first revelation was made when the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought called. The group, led by its Secretary, Chief Edward Ekpoko, had expressed personal grief at the loss of the man it described as a bridge-builder, who had invested so much personally to cement the decades of relationship that had existed between the Itsekiri and Urhobo nations. After describing the sterling qualities of Aziza, pointing how he had commenced the process of building a bloc out of the tribes in the two senatorial districts, especially with the Itsekiri, which who Urhobo share one of the closest and strongest traditional bonds.

    Ekpoko emphasized the high esteem his organisation holds UPU, for two basic reasons; one being the fact that it is second oldest ethno-cultural organisation in Africa, following after the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa and the second being that fact that it is the organisation that had consistently been involved in the struggle to give the Urhobo nation it’s pride of place among all other ethnic nations in the world. He went further to emphasise the long standing relationship between his nation and that of Aziza, noting particularly the spirit of camaraderie, which had demanded over the years that the two nations always share in each other’s joy and pain, hence the request that the UPU carries the Itsekiri nation along in the burial plans as they Itsekiri would wish for nothing more than taking part in the burial responsibilities, as a family member would.

    “The death of Gen. Aziza is a loss, not just to the Urhobo, but also to us the Itsekiri, just as you have lost him, we have lost him too. As we mourn him, we mourn him as a great bridge-builder because he had managed to initiate a process of strengthening the bond between our nations when he was untimely taken. We will only request that you make an accommodation for the Itsekiri nation in preparing his final burial rites, we desire to also play a role as part of his family  because as he was leader to the Urhobo, the Itsekiri also saw a leader in him. We also wish to ask for the Urhobo nation to honour this great man’s memory by sustaining his bridge-building legacies and not allowing the efforts he invested in building a strong union and a common bloc with other ethnic nations in this part slip into waste,” he said.

    Almost at the heel of the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought arrived the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders’ Forum (3IS), an organisation which is also led by Ekpoko. Leaders from the other two ethnic nations, whose organisations had made individual showings prior to last week, joined their Itsekiri co-compatriots in the expansive compound of General Aziza in Adagbrasa, Okpe council area of Delta State. The message, which was delivered by the 1st Vice Chairman of 3IS, Chief Dennis Etaluku, was not far from what the Itsekiri leaders had already relayed. “Just as we were putting our heads together to forge a united front, we lost the captain and we believe it is native for us to come and commiserate. We have come to mourn with you and to let you know that we are with you. We want to tell you that another Aziza will come”, he assured.

    The 3IS also donated N50,000 to support the efforts of the family and the UPU in hosting those who would be visiting to commiserate with them. Etaluku, however, told the family that his organization had decided to be part of the burial ceremonies of the departed Urhobo leader, urging both the UPU and the Aziza family to inform them when the time has come.

    Responding to the two groups, Acting President-General of the UPU, Chief Joe Omene, thank the Delta South leaders for the show of condolence, saying it was long expected. He said: “People have come from far and near much earlier to do what you have come to do today, but it has always been our feeling that the external condolences would not have been complete if our immediate brothers from Delta South had not paid their own visit. We have a long bond of brotherhood with the Itsekiri, although to the outside world we tend to paint ourselves as being far from each other. We can assure you that we will sustain the bridge building efforts of our late leader towards a more unified enduring Delta State.”

     

     

     

  • Isoko land owners protest oil surveillance contract

    A group known as Indigenous Landlords Association in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to redress the injustice over what they termed “illegal award of oil surveillance contract/oil mining (OML 30).

    In a petition sent to President Goodluck Jonathan, the group alleged that without due consultation with their traditional institutions, chiefs, youths and opinion leaders in Isoko Kingdom, the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Shoreline National Resources Limited and Heritage Oil awarded oil mining lease surveillance contract to several contractors.

    In the petition, copies of which were sent to the  Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke,  Delta State Governor  and other stakeholders.

    The group said more than one year after awarding this contract, there is no evidence on ground to show that the contractors are working in  Isoko land. The group said: “What we have noticed is that the Isoko Local Vigilante Group led by Hon. Victor Egbo, who is the co-ordinator as well as the state co-ordinator, is the one securing the oil pipeline as well as gathering intelligence, while those who got the pipeline surveillance contracts are just taking the money without doing anything.”

    The group also alleged that they have not received any commendation or recommendation for employment from these contractors, a situation that is a total disregard for the Nigeria Local Content Act, 2011.

    This, they said, amounts to “Baboon dey work, monkey dey chop” and in their opinion, “no reasonable man in this 21st century will permit such injustice.” Quoting copiously from an extract by John Ralw, the group said, “Justice is the distribution of the advantages and the disadvantages of the society equally among its members.” Going by this, they said, “it is right for us to also share the advantage of the society and not only the disadvantage that oil explorations has brought to our people.”

    The group  said  in order to address the alleged  injustice, the Isoko Development Union (IDU), the apex decision making body in Isoko Land, led by its President, Maj-Gen. Paul Ofuoma Omu (rtd), scheduled a a meeting between the Isoko people, Shoreline Natural Resources (Ltd), the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Heritage Oil for March 5. According to them, though due notice of the meeting was given, none of the representatives of the companies showed up at the meeting. As a result of this, they said, another stakeholders’ meeting was slated for April 29,  at the Isoko South Local Government Area Secretariat.

    In attendance at that meeting were  Hon. Idele Goodluck, traditional rulers from Oleh, Uzere, Ewhe, Emede, Emevor, Ozoro and all opinion leaders in Isoko land. The meeting was also attended by the Isoko Development Union led by its President, Major Gen Paul Ofuoma Omu (rtd), representative of the Nigeria police force, members of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps and representatives of Shoreline Natural Resources, the Nigerian Development Petroleum Company (NDPC) and Heritage Nig (ltd). At the meeting, the group said, the IDU President Major Gen Paul Ofuoma Omu (rtd) OFR, made known the collective resolve of the Isoko people that the oil surveillance contract should be re-awarded to accommodate the interest of the entire Isoko people. According to the group, after about four hours deliberations, Shoreline Natural Resources, Heritage Oil and the NPDC promised to look into their demand, but up till today, the companies have refused to keep their promise.

    Consequently, the group said, since Shoreline Natural Resources, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company and Heritage Oil Nig (Ltd), have chosen to walk the path of injustice against the collective interest of the people, they have “resolved from now onward, that there shall be no peace until this ugly injustice is addressed.”

    The group issued  a  21 days ultimatum, starting from September 1,  till September 22 within which the Companies involved should address the anomaly, failure which all oil wells connected to OML 30 in Isoko Land will cease to flow.

    The OML 30 (Oil Mining Lease) covers the largest ever upstream asset in Sub-Sahara Africa. The block is the second largest as well as the third largest on-shore Block with a lease covering 109 square kilometers which comprises of the following communities in Isoko Kingdom of Delta State: Oleh 21 Oil wells, Olomoro 17 Oil wells, Emede 4 Oil wells, Uzere more than 12 functional wells, Owhe 9 Oil wells, Igbide 8 Oil wells, Okpolo-Enwhe 6 Oil wells, Ozoro 7 Oil wells, Ellu/Ovrode 10 Oil wells, Ofagbe 4 Oil wells, Isoko Deep.

    Currently, the block has 8 producing fields of 395, 000 bpd, with an existing 850 bpd of pipeline segment to Forcados Export terminal. Its current gross production is 45, 000 bpd. It has over 2000 wells drilled with 120 in production. The block associated gas facilities can handle forth two MSCF/ day collected from 6 flowing stations. Its proven reserve includes 3 of 2 bb/s of crude oil and 2:5TCF of gas is a long asset with 8 years life reserved at production rate.