Itsekiri to Uduaghan: don’t sacrifice our future for your ambition

Itsekiri to Uduaghan: don’t sacrifice our future for your ambition

The umbrella body of the Itsekiri in the Niger Delta region, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT), has cautioned Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan against sacrificing their future for his senatorial ambition.
The ILOT, led by J. O. S. Ayomike, reminded the governor, through a letter, that the Itsekiri were dissatisfied with him for allegedly not contributing to their progress and development in the last 16 years.
The letter, signed by Ayomike, Edward Ekpoko (secretary), Madam F. E. Rewane (treasurer) and A. O. Agboghoroma (member), reads: “Generally, the state, and particularly the Itsekiri, have not fared well under you, despite your nearly 16 years in government. In almost every decision, policy, action or inaction, you have consistently compromised Itsekiri for your personal, political, family or group interests and survival.
“Over the years, you have overplayed the game of numbers to the detriment of the Itsekiri. Your administration has not only been detrimental to the development of Itsekiri but has set us back by at least 40 years.
“What can we today point to as your greatest contribution to the Itsekiri nation, after 16 years in government? Yet, you have a desire to further represent Itsekiri interest in the Senate.”
The ILOT noted that projects that were dear to the Itsekiri had either been abandoned or not started by the Uduaghan administration, including the Trans-Ode Itsekiri Road, Koko-Ugbenu, Ogheye Market, Ubeji Road and Ekurede-Itsekiri Road.
The letter faulted the substitution of the Itsekiri winner of the Warri South West Local Government’s primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Oritseweyinmi Omadeli, with an Ijaw candidate, George Ekpemupolo, who is said to be the younger brother of former Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) leader, Government Ekpemupolo (akaTompolo), as a declaration of the governor’s horse trading at the expense of Itsekiri.
“A scenario, which witnessed the substitution of Oritseweyinmi Omadeli (an Itsekiri) as PDP chairmanship candidate for Warri Southwest Local Government Area by George Ekpemupolo, (an Ijaw) in violation of your own rotational arrangement, less than 48 hours to the election and contrary to the Electoral Law, speaks eloquently of the impunity and the disdain which the Itsekiri have been subjected to in your administration.”