Elders and leaders from the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities in Delta South Senatorial District have commenced fresh strategic consultations aimed at engaging Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, over what they describe as persistent marginalization in infrastructural development.
A source familiar with a meeting held in Warri on Tuesday, January 27, disclosed that the leaders, operating under the Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders’ Forum (3Is), resolved to collectively present their concerns to the governor.
According to the source, key issues identified include the alleged inadequate funding of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), perceived imbalance in the execution of major infrastructure projects across the state, and what the leaders described as limited engagement between the governor and non-partisan community elders.
The leaders reportedly expressed concern that since Governor Oborevwori assumed office, little information has been made public regarding the DESOPADEC budget, with the commission said to be grappling with irregular and insufficient funding.
This, they claimed, is occurring despite an alleged increase in monthly derivation allocations to the state from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The source further revealed that the elders are considering a series of media engagements in the coming days to draw public attention to what they perceive as the neglect of Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri communities, particularly oil and gas-producing riverine areas affected by exploration activities.
In addition, the leaders were said to have expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as poor representation of Delta South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, specifically criticizing the performance of the district’s senator, Joel Onowakpo-Thomas.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from the Delta State Government and other relevant authorities were ongoing as at the time of filing this report.
