BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

Given the prominent role the Itsekiri ethnic nationality play in the socio economic well-being of the country, it was a shock to many Itsekiris that not one of them was nominated among the 492 delegates  to the conference.
Within 24 hours after the list of delegates was released, Itsekiri activists trooped out in Warri to protest what they claimed to be a deliberate insult on their race.

Claiming that they contribute immensely to the nation’s cash inflows,Itsekiri youths, who also marched round the palace of the Olu of Warri bearing placards.
Some of the placards read: “Itsekiris are the economic backbone of Nigeria!” “Confab without Itsekiri meaningless, unacceptable!” “Our Elders, Chiefs, representatives, please explain to us!” “Itsekiris are Nigerians.”

Esimaje Awani, one of the spokesmen for the protesters said, “Apart from the fact that Itsekiri nation’s existence pre-dates that of the nation of Nigeria, our land is the economic backbone of the country because of what we contribute to the national treasury through oil and gas. We cannot comprehend our disgraceful exclusion from a national dialogue meant to discuss the way forward for Nigeria. We are therefore in protest asking our leaders to explain why we are being excluded.”

Efejuku Tunukan, Welfare Officer, Itsekiri National Youth Council, said, “we are very angry. We are wondering if this country belongs to all of us (ethnic groups). We expect that Itsekiri should be  considered first for representation because of our peculiar contribution to national development.”

Also, Nunu Emmanuel, said: “We spoke to some people and the excuse we hear is that more names are being expected. How acceptable is that? That we have to wait for nine last names to be listed in the Confab. Something is terribly wrong.

The President must correct the inciting blunder. The confab, we have been repeatedly told is meant to move Nigeria forward. The discriminatory selection of delegates is capable of setting us several miles backward.”