IDU Youth Wing Protests Over DESOPADEC Social Security Funds, Others

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Isoko Development Union Youth Wing (IDUYW) on Wednesday took to the streets in protests over the social security funds from the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) which the intervention agency has refused to pay them.

The youths in their hundreds barricaded the Ughelli/Iyede express Road with placards bearing “Okowa must recognise us”, “Give us our social security funds money”, “We are being marginalized by DESOPADEC”.

The blockades crippled activities of motorists coming or going to Asaba, Ughelli, Warri and environs.

Speaking to newsmen, the President of Isoko Development Union Youth Wing, Comrade Ede Hyacinth Ewariezi, said that, the 10 million naira monthly Social Security Funds for five months (January-May) due the youth body should be released to them without further delay.

He further said that the actions of the leadership and management of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission on the total disregard for the Isoko People, Isoko Development Union and Traditional Institutions, is something they will no longer tolerate.

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He appealed to the Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, urging him to do everything humanly possible to ensure the office of the majority leader should remain in Isoko, saying that it will strengthen the bond between the State government and the Isoko ethnic nationality.

Adding that, removing it from Isoko will be anti-democratic.

He also urged the state governor to move the defunct Delta State Polytechnic Ozoro to another Isoko community for equity, socio-economic significance and to encourage those who cannot access university education.

He added that the Isoko people have suffered unhealthy implications of air pollution associated with gas flaring, adding that Heritage Energy Operational Service Limited and other oil companies operating in the area should commence immediate establishment of gas turbines in Isoko land and stop gas flaring in the locality.

He also called on all contractors handling abandoned projects in Isoko nation to return to sites for immediate completion of such projects.

The Youth Wing President however warned that if the above mentioned demands are not met they would commence a total shutdown of all oil activities and installation in Isoko nation.