By Ekebe Emmanuel
Around June/July this year, a high powered Isoko delegation was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State where they met with the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr.Samuel Ogbuku and his team over the two projects that are very dear to the Isoko people.
From the report of that historical meeting, it was reaffirmed as it were, that these key projects which started over a decade ago but abandoned by the NDDC were reactivated back on stream very quickly.
The dedicated 133KV line designed to bring a new lease to electricity supply to Isoko land was to be completed and that some of the project’s equipment stuck in the Ports were to be secured for the project to get to fruition soonest.
Recall that the project which runs from Delta IV Power Station to Ozoro had not only suffered several delays but also subjected to very sad narratives including litigation, bulk passing, community issues, arrest/abduction etc.over the years.
On the Uzere – Umeh – Patani road, the story is almost the same. It has been awarded twice but also bedeviled by bulk passing, consultant/contractor conflict, changes in management as well as the devastating 2022 massive flooding among other factors.
The Commission’s promise on this road as gathered from the interface was that the contractual status was to be determined and thereafter re-awarded.
The common denomination here is that both projects which are less than 35% completion have the billions invested so far tied down and wasting away.
But equally painful is that the Isoko people as critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta project who should be the first line beneficiaries of these projects when completed are left dejected and hopeless like orphans in the mist of the humongous wealth of their late parents.
Yet these two star projects are not comparable in cost and magnitude to the mega projects being executed by the NDDC in several parts of the region .
It is equally disheartening that the major funds for the NDDC are sourced from the several oil fields and wells that dot the Isoko land scope.
When completed, the 133KV line will have multiple effects on the socio-economic lives of the people while the Uzere – Patani road will not only directly link the Isoko Nation to the East – West Road in a shorter travel time, but will equally open up the economic potentials locked up along that axis.
In addition, Erohwa and Umeh, the Isoko communities on that flank will be easily connected to their kits and kin and Oleh the Isoko South headquarters in less than 20 minutes without rigorous sojourn through Patani, Ughelli south and north.
Of course, it is not only the Isoko people that will reap the benefits but neighbouring communities, Deltans and indeed all residents and travellers through this area.
It is obvious that the numerous advantages of the projects are not hidden from the powers that be; but why the lukewarm attitude is what is confounding.
Is NDDC just out to marginalize and malign the Isoko ethnic nationality or outright wickedness or worst still; is it because we don’t bark nor bite?
The interrogation of these seemingly implied assumptions or queries to me lies with our representatives at the National Assembly since letters, reminders meetings and pushing are no longer producing desired results.
Joel Onowakpo and Pastor Ajiroghene Ukodhiko need to step up their game as it concerns these two projects.
Why can’t both of them move motions of urgent public importance simultaneously to compel NDDC to put these projects on the front burners?
Why can’t they lobby their colleagues in the NDDC Committee or that of the Niger Delta to ensure that the projects are funded and driven to fruition?
Can’t the IDU be reminding these representatives, say on monthly basis until they wake up to the challenges confronting the Isoko nation?
What about the South-South Development Commission?
So many questions indeed, but the truth is that time is ticking and as we approach 2027, the people are fed up with rhetorics and promises. They want tangible results so that it will be well with Isoko land.
From whom much is taken, much should be given in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.
May God bless our land.
