By Jimitota Onoyume 

Itsekiri ethnic group has decried alleged marginalization by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, in its project allocation for member areas.

Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILoT enjoined Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in an open letter to redress the alleged marginalization, stressing that the project distribution by the commission in 2023 did not accord the ethnic nationality her due of 29 percent in project allocation by the commission.

The letter signed by the Chairman of the apex Itsekiri body Chief Edward Ekpoko and the Secretary Sir Sunny Mene reads: ” The Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT) have watched in bewilderment goings-on in DESOPADEC, especially with regard to the 2023 Centralized Budget and how it adversely affects the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

“We, have observed that the sharing formula is being breached especially with regard to the centralized projects in the DESOPADEC 2023 Budget being implemented. 

“Your Excellency, the Itsekiri people will not tolerate this unfair treatment in just a little over a year of your administration. We wonder what awaits us for the remaining period of this administration. Only time will tell.

“Your Excellency, it can never be too late to correct an injustice, we urge you to do same now with regard to the DESOPADEC 2023 CENTRALIZED BUDGET. Let Itsekiri get what is due it.

“The DESOPADEC 2023 CENTRALIZED BUDGET has breached, not only the law, but also a snub to the oil and gas producing communities of ethnic nationalities. There is no precedent for this action. The Itsekiri ethnic nationality is a major victim of this illegality, breach of precedent, equity and snubbery. “.