Itsekiri leaders support militarisation of Niger Delta, condemn PANDEF

A group in the oil region of Niger Delta, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT), has expressed its support for the present militarisation of the region. In doing so, it condemned calls by Chief Edwin Clark and others who are demanding withdrawal of the military from the Niger Delta.

Led by controversial Itsekiri historian, Pa Ayomike, ILOT believes that the never-ending menace of militants and destruction of oil installations demand military intervention in the region. Its position marks a significant departure from the norm and may further polarise forces aimed at extracting maximum concessions from the federal government.

In a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, ILOT labelled as “disgraceful,” the Chief Clark-led Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) meeting with the President where a 16-point demand was presented to him.

Part of ILOT’s letter which was signed by its Chairman, Pa J.O.S. Ayomike, Secretary Edward Ekpoko and others read, “Apart from the damage to our economy, our environment today is in ruins due to the senseless and criminal activities of some misguided youths, aided and abetted by some elders and politicians.

“The presence of security force is to enforce law and order. To, therefore, ask for its withdrawal is an invitation to anarchy. Acts of criminality must be separated from genuine efforts to develop the region. We maintain that unless the full force of the law is brought on the criminals vandalizing oil and gas installations, there will be no end to it.”

Read also: Peace may be still elusive as Niger Delta host communities issue fresh demands

The group added, “The problem with interventionist agencies is not necessarily insufficient funds but management of same. Funds meant for development of the region have been mismanaged over the years with the agencies producing billionaires while the communities are impoverished and going into extinction. The Federal Government should look into the management of these agencies and ensure that they are transparently run. There are still politicians and their cronies from the region hiding billions and trillions of naira meant for the development of the region in their gigantic houses.”

According to ILOT, part of the efforts that will solve the problems of the region will include, “revival of idle sea
ports in Delta State, provision of shore protection at Ugborodo and Koko communities, and realisation of the stalemated Export Processing Zone project also known as the Gas City Development in Warri South-West council of Delta State.”

The Niger Delta crisis remains a sore point with successive governments seeking uncommon measures to pacify the oil-bearing communities. Over the years, many interest groups have emerged purporting to act in the larger group interest but clandestinely pursuing narrow elite interests.

In what is largely perceived a cat and mouse game, the people of the Niger Delta have not hidden their desire for self-determination while the federal government continues to hold on to the oil resources as a national endownment.

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