Members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Isoko nation of Delta State appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint an Isoko son as Managing Director of South-South Development Commission (SSDC)
At a press conference held at Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of the State on Tuesday, the APC members urged President Bola Tinubu to address what they described as the the continuous neglect of the Isoko people in federal appointments and infrastructural development.
A statement read at the press conference urged the federal government to prioritize infrastructural development in Isoko, addressing the deficiencies that have persisted since independence.
The statement was signed by Comrade Vincent Egbogbo, APC Chairman Isoko South; Daniel Emebunor, Isoko North APC Chairman; Ogelowhohor Catherine Elohor, Isoko South APC Woman Leader; Oghogho Joy Emeni, Isoko North APC Woman Leader and Imoto Oke Augustine, Isoko South LGA Youth Leader.
Others are, Obiaro Godspower Efe, Isoko North Youth Leader, Mrs Hopelyn Akpotu-Ayu, Delta APC State Welfare Secretary: Surveyor Peter Akarogbe, Secretary APC Delta State and Comr. Ede Hyacinth Ewariezi, Delta South Youth Leader.
“As one of the five ethnic nationalities in Delta State, and the second most populous, it is unacceptable that we have been denied representation and developmentin our region.
“The Isoko oil fields produce a substantial amount of oil daily, with a gross output of 383,478.9 barrels and a net output of 124,593.68 barrels. This significant contribution to the national economy should not be overlooked. Yet, we have been excluded from federal appointments since the return of democracy.
“This lack of representation undermines the principles of fairness and justice that our nation upholds.
“Furthermore, Isoko has been lacking in essential infrastructural development since independence. We implore President Tinubu to consider the Isoko Nationality in subsequent federal appointments and prioritize addressing the infrastructural deficiencies in our region.
“We specifically request the appointment of an Isoko son into the position of the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission. This appointment would give us a sense of belonging and recognition.
“We appeal to President Tinubu’s sense of equity and inclusiveness to ensure that the Isoko people are not left behind in Nigeria’s development and prosperity.
“As a peaceful and law-abiding people, we ask: Is being peaceful and non-violent in our pursuit of justice now seen as a weakness?
“Does the fact that we don’t engage in pipeline vandalism or other destructive activities mean we don’t deserve attention?
“Are we being penalized for not causing crisis or unrest, despite our legitimate demands for inclusion and development?
“We, the Isoko people, are known for our peaceful nature, and we have always been law-abiding citizens. We deserve recognition and inclusion in the development of our nation”, the statement said.
They demanded representation in federal appointments, reflecting their significant contributions to the national economy, emphasizing that “We specifically request the appointment of an Isoko son to this position, ensuring our sense of belonging and recognition.”