Aggrieved youths from Isoko ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over alleged marginalization in the pipeline surveillance contract.

The youths, in a communique issue by a coalition of eleven Isoko youth groups, drawn from the 19 clans of the Isoko ethnic nationality and Diaspora spanning Bayelsa State and other regions of Nigeria, on Wednesday, urged the Federal Government to resolve the issues or face degeneration of social order.

The youth coalition described the contract in its entirety as an insult on Isoko nation and its vibrant youths in their capacity to man the surveillance.

The communique read In part, “It is an obvious truth that there is a deliberate nepotistic attempt to deprive Isokos of their quota in this negotiation and riding on the back of this fact, the Isoko people cannot fold their arms this time around, because one can only accommodate oppression for so long.

“We are calling on the federal government to assent to us within seven days or face the wrath of our people who have patiently and peaceful protected Nigeria’s economic interest.

“If such could be done for the Kalabari people, it must be replicated in Isoko or it shall be interpreted strictly as a direct order from the Federal Government for Isoko youths to take up arms and destroy oil facilities since it is the only relevant language that is nationally understood.

“We stand firmly on our position for a fresh contract comprising of the Isoko youths or alternatively create a sub-contract deriving from the existing one.”

They accused Tompolo and the NNPC management of their intent to destroy the peace in Isoko nation with their selection of a few boys and Isoko indigenes and placing them on payroll.

The communique which was issued in Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, was signed by eleven youths and ex-agitators groups including President, Isoko National Youth Council, Matthew Edugbo; President, Isoko Development Union Youth Wing, Peter Okurakpor and President, Okugbe-Isoko Youth Movement.

Others are President, Leaders of Ex-Agitators, Mr. Garvin Udome; President Isoko Youth Assembly, Olomu Matthew; President, Creek Voices of Isoko; President, National Forum of Isoko Youths in Bayelsa State, Mr. Agwor Okeoghene; President, Isoko Progressive Movement, Mr Tony Ewariezi; President, Watchdog of Isoko Nation, Mr. Oghenewemo Jenavovwo; President, Ground Avengers of Isoko Nation, Mr. Ernest Usiwomano and President, Ex-Warlords of Isoko People, Mr. Gordons Odimano. (The PUNCH)

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