Itsekiri leaders on Monday in Lagos declared that consequent of their non violent nature and disposition towards sociopolitical and economic challenges against them in the Niger Delta region and the nation at large the ethnic group was being neglected by the Federal Government.
Insisting that the Itsekiris were being taken for granted, the leaders warned the Federal Government to thread with caution in its dealings with persons and groups masquerading as Niger Delta leaders and peace ambassadors.
These positions were brought to the front burner at a lecture convened in Lagos by an elite Itsekiri social club, Alpha-May Club, in celebration of its 32-year anniversary.
The event attracted prominent Itsekiri sons and daughters were used as platform to create more enlightenment about the history of the homogeneous tribe.
Present at the lecture, entitled The Itsekiri: People, Land and Crown, were Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, former governor of Delta State; Mr. Aji Orugboh; Chief Luck Ereku, Chairman, Alpha May Club; Chief Edward Epoko, the Tolureju of Warri; Mr. Sam Amuka; Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor.
Others include Chief Kofi Katey, Mr. Alex Eyengho, Chief Mene Brown and Pa J.O.S. Ayomike. With the rendition of Itsekiri anthem, the event started with an opening speech by the Chairman, Alpha May Club, Chief Ereku.
In his speech, Chief Ereku chronicled how the club was established by 15 Itsekiri professionals in 1984, its fundamental objectives and contributions to the advancement of the Itsekiri nation.
He said, “The Itsekiri land comprises islands around the Benin, Forcados, Escravos rivers and several acres of land in the Warri Township including the New Warri, known as Ogbe Ijoh, measuring over 350 acres.
“It covers the present Warri GRA; the present day Daudu in Warri measuring over 90 acres; all land generally known as Agbassa measuring over 350 acres; Okere, Ajamimogha, Ekurede Ugbuwangue, Ubeji, Egbokodo, Pesu, Odion, Merogun and other adjoining towns”.
Guest Speaker at the occasion, Chief Edward Ekpoko, said ‘’I will say to the Federal Government that Itsekiri are peaceful and law abiding people. We have contributed imensely to the development of this country.
“The history of Nigeria will not be complete without the Itsekiri people. It will appear that because we are a minority and apply only constitutional means in addressing our grievances, we are being ignored in the scheme of things.
“Even our peaceful disposition has been taken for granted and the government appears to listen only to those who have violent disposition, rewarding criminality at the expense of law-abiding citizens.
“If you can’t get Itsekiri right, you can’t get Nigeria right.”
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