Arrest of Protesters: Itsekiri Groups demand apology from Delta Government

The last may not have been heard concerning the arrest and subsequent release of 14 Itsekiri youths by the Police in Warri during Monday November 2 protest by members of Itsekiri Joint Action Group, IJAG against perceived marginalization of Itsekiris in Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC as a coalition of Itsekiri groups have given the Delta State government and the management of the Commission seven days to tender unreserved apology from Wednesday November 4, 2015.

Arising from an emergency meeting held in Warri, Delta State, the Itsekiri riverine groups under the aegis of Itsekiri Benin Radical Group, IBRG, Itsekiri Movement Group, IMG and Escravos Radical Front, ERF stressed that if the apology is not tendered, “we shall be constrained to show to the whole world the huge responsibility the Itsekiri shoulder in funding both the State and DESOPADEC”.

The statement signed by Coordinator of the Coalition, Comrade John Okotie and Director of Operations, Comrade Timeyin Ogona, challenged the Delta State government to show the world why they ignored correspondences written to it for possible negotiation before the recent protest which led to the arrest of 14 “innocent students, unemployed graduates as well as youths of Itsekiri extraction”.

While condemning “the level of manipulation/arbitrariness in terms of employment slots, top management positions skewed against the Itsekiri, non provision of befitting office for the Chairman of DESOPADEC Board”, the groups stressed their commitment to live peacefully with their neighbours, even as they vowed to defend the interest of Itsekiri Nation.

×