How Itsekiri can tackle its political challenge as minority-Itse Sagay

Prominent social commentator and University Don Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, has identified “making power friends” and ensuring peaceful relationship with its neighboring Urhobos and Ijaws as experienced in the days of late Chief Dore Numa as the only way Itsekiri can tackle the current political challenges confronting it in the three Warri local governments.

Prof. Sagay made the assertion at the maiden public lecture organized by National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG Saturday March 1 in Warri, Delta State.

The University Don whose goodwill message was read by a former Commissioner in Delta State and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Tosan Alex Ideh posited that unlike in the days of the defunct Mid-West when the political rights of Itsekiri as a minority was protected in its homeland of the present day Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North local government areas, the Itsekiri nation is presently in weak political position without any form of protection in terms of representation at both federal and state legislatures.

Former Director General of NIMASA, Barr. Temisan Omatseye who also spoke at the lecture tasked Itsekiri people to strive towards being in government and opposition as a result of the dynamics in politics.

Others such as Prof. Oritsegbemi Omatete, Dr. J.O. Ireyefoju and Hon. A.S. Mene who spoke on various aspects of the challenges of Itsekiri as minority in a multi-ethnic Nigeria, proffered historical, economic and socio-cultural solutions that will rescue  Itsekiri nation from its present politically disadvantaged position.

National President of NAIG, Miss Alero Tenumah in an opening address noted that the maiden lecture is part of strategy to unearth new approach to engage the oil majors and other companies doing business in Itsekiri land on the need to employ Itsekiri graduates as well as ensuring local content in contract award.

According to her, the open protest approach hitherto adopted by past leadership of the association has not yielded much, insisting that it has portrayed Itsekiri nation in bad light.

Our Correspondent reports that the event which attracted distinguished Itsekiri sons and daughters across the country, including Prof. Tony Afejuku, President of Itsekiri National Youth Council, INYC, Hon. David Tonwe, former boss of defunct MAMSER, Chief (Mrs.) P.E.B. Uku and members of National Association of Itsekiri Students, NAIS was delayed for some hours as a result of the leadership tussle rocking NAIG.

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