Protesters from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality on Thursday, blocked the entrance of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Commission (DESOPADEC) office in Warri.
Daily Report Nigeria reports that the protesters arrived early in the morning, locking the office and blocking the entrance with a casket.
The protesters, primarily women, demanded their entitlements from the commission, expressing their anger at what they perceived as marginalization.
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The Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom, Chief Oritsema Eyewuoma, and the Iwere descendants signed a protest letter outlining their demands for the Itsekiri nation’s monetary entitlements from DESOPADEC, spanning from the tenure of Chief James Ibori until now.
The letter read:
“I Chief (Engr) Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom and the mouthpiece of the Itsekiri on behalf of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality by this letter demand the release of all the monetary entitlements due to Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality during the tenure of Chief James Ibori to date.
“The Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality is aware that there is monthly provision due to Itsekiri Nation like all other ethnic nationalities covered by your
Commission in Delta State. To the disillusionment of our people, that money has not reached the purse of the Itsekiri Nation over the years.(Sic)
“I am also to inform you that the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality is miffed by this unethical conduct to undermine 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.”
The Ologbotsere stressed that should the committee fail to meet this very modest request, people’s anger could get out of the control of Itsekiri leadership.
The Executive Director, EDSS, Chief, Favour Izuokumour acknowledged receipt of the protest letter on behalf of the DESOPADEC management and promised to forward it to the appropriate venues while praising the protesters for their peaceful behaviour.
