ISOPLOT Renews Call to Suspend Warri Ward Delineation, Accuses INYA of Undermining Isoko Interests

The Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT) has reiterated its commitment to protecting the political, cultural, economic, and social dignity of the Isoko Nation, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend or cancel the ongoing Warri Ward delineation exercise, which it claims threatens regional peace and ethnic balance in Delta State.

In a strongly worded press statement released on Monday, June 23, 2025, and jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Omoraro Daniel, and Secretary, Comrade Oviomaigho Henry, ISOPLOT accused the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) of being a “factional group” and “an appendage of external funding and manipulation.”

“The resolve of ISOPLOT is the perpetual preservation of the dignity of Isoko nation, and we shall continue to put Isoko First in all things,” the statement read.

The group criticized INYA for attacking ISOPLOT’s stance on the delineation issue, labeling their response as an attempt to appease political paymasters. It cited the recent commissioning of the Isoko Youth House as an example of misplaced priorities and alleged ethnic subservience.

“If not, how do they explain the disgraceful event where someone from another ethnic nationality was invited to chair and commission the project, despite the number of elder statesmen, billionaires, and leaders in Isoko land?” the statement queried.

ISOPLOT further challenged INYA to respond to the April 25, 2025 press release by the Delta Ijaw Progressives Worldwide, which called for the Warri or Burutu Federal Constituency to produce the Delta South Senatorial candidate in 2027, despite Senator Joel Onowakpo, an Isoko indigene, having served only two years so far.

“Let INYA bury its head in shame and comment no more. They should continue with the pitiable enjoyment of the crumbs from their paymasters and stop disgracing Isoko Nation,” the group asserted.

On the political future of the Isoko people, ISOPLOT warned against attempts to undermine the ethnic balance among the three founding nationalities of the Delta South Senatorial District — Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw. The group said current political maneuverings are designed to weaken both Isoko and Itsekiri blocs in favor of a singular ethnic dominance ahead of the 2031 governorship rotation.

“We foresee the endpoint of the current political maneuverings as aimed at elevating one ethnic group over the others. This move is aimed at conquest, and Isoko is most affected.”

The group cited Martin Niemöller’s famous quote to warn against silence in the face of political marginalization, rhetorically asking: “Who will be next after Itsekiri is decimated?”

ISOPLOT also emphasized that pipeline surveillance contracts allocated to the Isoko people should not be treated as favors, stressing that Isoko contributes over 400,000 barrels of crude oil per day, making them critical stakeholders in national discourse.

“Let no man pose as God or try to lord over Isoko Nation because he distributes our common patrimony to us,” the statement declared.

In its conclusion, ISOPLOT renewed its call on President Tinubu to suspend or cancel the Warri Ward delineation, warning that the exercise has the potential to destabilize the entire Niger Delta region.

“We must be decisive, as the road before us remains narrow and rugged. Let us keep the spirit of Isoko alive. Let us think Isoko First!”

The group also called on Isoko leaders to unite quickly, warning that inaction would weaken the political standing of the Isoko Nation as the 2031 elections draw closer.