2023: IPAF places politicians of Itsekiri extraction on watch-list as Ekpoto says he didn’t come to Warri for politics

Fast-growing pro Itsekiri political pressure group, the Itsekiri Political Advancement Front, IPAF, says it has placed politicians of Itsekiri extraction on watch-list ahead of next year’s 2023 general elections, just as the owner of Warri.com 102.1FM, Warri, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpoto Ekpoto, explained that he didn't come to Warri for politics, while reportedly declaring his intention to vie for the Warri Federal Constituency Seat in the forthcoming polls.

This much was extracted from the communique made available to Fresh Angle International by the Itsekiri Political Advancement Front, IPAF, after its meeting held Tuesday March 8 in Warri, Delta State.

In the communique, which was signed by its President, Comrade Dennis Mene, IPAF, reiterated: “We wish to place all our politicians on watch-list ahead of the 2023 general elections. Anyone caught using the tribe to negotiate for his or her personal ambition, would be severely dealt with. For too long, our goodwill as a Nation to people around us, have not be reciprocated in Delta Central, especially in Ugbolokposo, Sapele, Ethiope West etc”.

Whilst noting that it is a coalition of different groups and representatives of community leaders, not affiliated to any political party, IPAF, declared: “We wish to also throw our full weight behind the publication made by the Mama of the Niger Delta, Chief Rita Lori- Ogbebor, the Igba of Warri Kingdom, on the need to set up a new Board for NDDC and the appointment of an Itsekiri indigene as Chairman or Managing Director, because the Itsekiri, despite our highest production in terms of crude oil in the state, has been grossly marginalized”.

Mr. Emmanuel Ekpoto Ekpoto, addressing the gathering

This Newspaper understands that Mr. Emmanuel Ekpoto Ekpoto, who appeared during the IPAF meeting attended by groups such as Itsekiri Coalition For Good Governance, Itsekiri Interest Group, Modern Itsekiri Security, MIS, Itsekiri Liberation Group, Folefun Media and representatives from communities in Warri South, Warri South-West, Warri North and Delta Central, allegedly told the gathering: “Whatever I have done for the development of Itsekiri, was not done out of political reason, but genuine intention for the Nation. I didn't come to Warri for politics, but haven come on ground to see how things are being done, I have seen the need to get things right. I therefore, officially declare my intention to vie for the Warri Federal Constituency Seat, to bring my 20-year experience as a Legislative Consultant to bear. I am not in the race to fight anybody, but for genuine development of Itsekiri Nation, because I have the capacity”.

A cross section of members of IPAF & other groups, shortly after the meeting

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