By Francis Sadhere, Warri
The Itsekiri ethnic nationality on Thursday shut down the head office the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), demanding for the immediate release of all their entitlements from the government of James Ibori to date.
The aggrieved Itsekiri protesters in their hundred, occupied the entrance of the commission’s secretariat along Warri-Sapele road, chanting and dancing to traditional vibes vowed not to leave the place until their demands are met.
The Ologbotsere of the Warri kingdom, Chief Oma Eyewuoma and mouthpiece of the Itsekiri general assembly made the demand on Thursday on behalf of the Iwere people.
The statement of the Ologbotsere, which was read before the gathering by Dr Benson Babine, said: “The Ologbotsere and the Itsekiri General Assembly on behalf of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality, by this letter, demand the release of all the monetary entitlements due to Itsekiri nation during the tenure of Chief James Ibori till date.
“The Itsekiri ethnic nationality is aware that there is a monthly provision due to the Itsekiri nation like all other ethnic nationalities covered by your commission in Delta.
“To the disillusionment of our people, that money has not reached the purse of the Itsekiri nation over the years,” he said.
The Ologbotsere expressed displeasure over what it termed the unethical conduct of the commission to allegedly undermine the Itsekiri nation.
“It is sequel to the above that, we have resolved to demand your Commission to make available to us the total accrual of our entitlements to date through the Office of the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom,” he said.
