Itsekiri women block DESOPADEC office, protest over PIA

Itsekiri women on Thursday September 7, blocked the entrance of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) office in Warri with Catafalque, while sons and daughters of the Itsekiri nation took their protest to the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulation Commission (NUPRC) zonal office in Warri.

Catafalque is a decorated wooden framework supporting the coffin which is a symbol during a funeral or while lying in state in Itsekiri tradition.

The women who came out in their large numbers kept chanting Ayiri Ole, Ejele Ole while displaying different placards with various inscriptions such as, “Itsekiri money is for Itsekiri” “Our dear Governor, Chief Sheriff, we need your intervention,” and “Itsekiris need accountability.”

According to one of the leaders, Mr. Bawo Eyeoyibo, the women are demanding their rights.

DESOPADEC Warri gate was blocked as early as 6a.m. with a traditional casket to the shock of workers by Itsekiri women, who came to demand the money accruable to the host communities over the years being embezzled by some political holders.

In another related event, the Ologbotsere of Warri kingdom, Chief Oma Eyewuoma, said the agitation by Itsekiris in demanding the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is legitimate.

Eyewuoma stated this in Warri when he and the Warri council of chiefs stormed the venue of the peaceful protest by the Itsekiri sons and daughters at the NUPRC office to appreciate the protesters.

He commended the protesters for their resilient and peaceful conduct on the day three of the protest for non-compliance and implementation of PIA.

The chiefs who took turns to commend the protesters and to also pray for the progress in Warri Kingdom, said Itsekiris have been shortchanged for too long.

They called for support of His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) for the development of Iwere land.

According to them, the ongoing struggle is not just for them but for the future generations.

“We are only demanding what is rightfully ours as Itsekiris and we should be given. The land is blessed with oil and should be for all and not for a few handful of people. The monarch has taken the step for everyone to benefit from the largesse of our God-given wealth. There were so many lies and falsehoods, we say enough is enough.

“The world should hear, listen and sympathize with us so when justice is given, others will benefit and Nigeria will move forward and develop as Itsekiri will show the light through the leadership of our monarch,” the Ologbotsere said.

Chief Francis Omatseye, while lauding the protesters for their support and commitment, said the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was applicable in the past but today is the PIA which is of more importance and meets the needs of the people.

“Itsekiris should move forward in oneness and solidarity, Itsekiri cannot and will not fight war against themselves, it’s a peaceful protest,” he said.

They called on Shell and Chevron Nigeria Limited to respect the constituted authority.

Chief Brown Mene, Chief Solomon Areyenke, Chief (Mrs) Esther Okotie-Eboh were amongst those present during the protest.

The Star