Ndokwa oil community, Isoko youths decry neglect

Oil-rich Okpai in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, the host community of the multi-billiondollar Agip Independent Power Plant, has decried the alleged abandonment of the shore protection project by the Niger DeltaDevelopment Commission (NDDC).

The chairman of Okpai Community Development Committee (CDC), Chief John Emordi, made the claim when he visited Mr. Nnamdi Ezechi, the commissioner representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

Emordi lamented that that there was nothing to show for the over 50 years of oil and gas exploitation in the community and the peace the exploration companies enjoy while operating in the area.

Also, a group of youths in Isokoland, Delta State has accused leaders of the petroleum-producing ethnic nationality of using divide and rule tactics in collusion with oil companies to deprive them (the complainants) of their legitimate entitlements and incentives.

The allegation was made by Isoko Progressive Youth Centre (IPYC) in a petition signed by Its president-general, Comrade Anthony A.A. Ogbalor, and other officials. It was addressed to the President-General of Isoko Development Union (IDU) with copies for President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the National Assembly, Delta State legislature, security agencies, oil agencies and companies as well as community and youth leaders.

It accused the IDU of colluding with the chairmen of the two Isoko local councils (North and South) to undermine the IPYC by recognizing another youth body despite a court ruling to the contrary and reconciliation efforts.

It, therefore, issued a two-week ultimatum to IDU to retrace its steps or face dire consequences.