Youths of Isoko nation have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to intervene in the delineation exercise currently going on in the Delta South senatorial district.
The youths, under the aegis of Isoko Youth Political Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT), made the call on Monday at a press conference in Asaba.
They noted that the exercise in the Warri metropolis had taken a turn, which if not suspended or better managed by the Federal Government, might result to a threat to peace which had prevailed over the region for some decades now.
ISOPLOT said the Warri axis of the state predominantly inhabited by
the Itsekiris, Ijaws, and small population of Urhobos, had been an integral part of the Delta South senatorial district; shared largely by the three ethnic groups of Isoko, Itsekiri and Ijaw.
It stated that the ethnic nationalities had, beyond their economic romance, enjoyed harmonious political relations over the years, which had seen the senatorial district produce a Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan (Itsekiri), and a Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (Ijaw).
The organization said, as a Pan Isoko political group, it came to them as a surprise that there were deliberate efforts by certain individuals to undermine the long-standing ethnic balance among the three founding nationalities of the district, describing the current political maneuverings as aimed at elevating one ethnic group over the others, with a view to gaining numerical and strategic advantage ahead of the 2031 elections when the governorship seat of Delta State would have taken a rotational course back to the Delta South senatorial district.
The youths particularly regarded the moves as attempts to weaken the political position of the Itsekiri blocks, thereby isolating them politically and diminishing their voice in key decisions affecting the region, while also undermining
the position and stake of the Isokos in the grand scheme of things.
ISOPLOT pointed out that the move was also aimed at conquering the Isoko ethnic Nationality, expressing worry that if the permutation scalesld through, the level play field that could give room for Isokos to produce a Governor would be jeopardized.
“Let it be clearly stated: we will not accept any arrangement that seeks to diminish the political standing of any of the “Three ‘I’s”. If one group is sidelined or one is so empowered to outvote the others, the fragile balance we’ve preserved over the years will collapse, creating fertile ground for ethnic conflict and instability reminiscent of past unrest.
“We are already witnessing high tensions and political provocations, particularly in and around Warri and other flashpoints, which could spiral out of control if steps are not taken to restore equity, inclusion, and fairness.
“We respectfully urge President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the National Security Adviser, as the custodians of Nigeria’s national security interests, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission to closely monitor political activities in Delta South and the broader Niger Delta to forestall any outbreak of ethnic unrest, advise the Presidency on the importance of preserving the ethnic balance that has kept the region stable, discourage attempts to weaponize political appointments or alliances against any of the ethnic groups in the senatorial district, suspend the ongoing INEC wards delineation exercise which has proved to be ladened with ominous motives aimed at destroying the political balance we enjoy in the Delta South Senatorial district”, the group stated.
The youths also called on their Urhobo brothers and sisters to be cautious and not allow themselves to be drawn into divisive plots targeted at weakening other ethnic nationalities.
“As Isokos, we see the Urhobo’s as our closest kins in Delta Stata by virtue of our shared linguistic and cultural affiliations. It is hence, unfair that some elements within their circle are being used as tools in this hatched plan to disrupt the peace. Delta South must remain united if peace and progress are to be sustained.
“We also want to add that any dissenting voice that may rise from Isoko nation against this position should be seen and acknowledged as enemies of the Isoko nation with aims to frustrate the peace of the region.
“We thank Mr. President for his efforts in the past two years to maintain peace and run Nigeria in a progressive manner. Although naysayers may defer, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government has shown great promise and holistic turnaround of Nigeria.
“Lastly, we thank you gentlemen of the press for your continuous partnership in progress”, ISOPLOT concluded.
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