Some Itsekiri natives in Delta State’s Warri South Local Government Area have complained to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission about the application of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The Punch reported that during this time, the Itsekiri nation’s financial entitlement from the DESOPADEC management from the time of the state’s former governor James Ibori until the present was demanded in a petition to the Commission by the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Oritsema Eyewuoma.
On Thursday, the demonstrators included Itsekiri women and adolescents carrying a mock casket, picketed the main gate to the DESOPADEC office to voice their complaints. The office was then forcibly locked.
The letter of protest from Eyewuoma, who was represented by Chief Eugene Ikomi, demanded “the release of all the financial entitlements due to Itsekiri ethnic nationality during the tenure of Chief James Ibori to date.” It was written and signed by Eyewuoma.
“The Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality is aware that there is a monthly provision due to Itsekiri nation like all other ethnic nationalities covered by your Commission in Delta State,” the letter, copies of which were made available to press, stated in part. To the dismay of our people, that money has never made it into the Itsekiri nation’s coffers.
“I also want to let you know that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality is upset about the dishonest behavior being used to discredit our people. It is sequel to the above that, we have resolved to demand that your Commission make available to us the total accrual of our entitlements to date through the Office of the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.”
On behalf of the administration of DESOPADEC, the Executive Director of Welfare, Chief Favour Izuokumour, acknowledged receiving the protest letter and promised to transmit it to the proper parties. He also thanked the demonstrators for their peaceful behavior.
