Emmanuel Ogidi, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, has expressed his dismay at the lack of development in Isoko land. He has alleged that despite the exploitation of the area’s oil and gas resources, no community in Isoko enjoys access to electricity.
Ogidi pointed out that Uzere Community in Isoko North Local Government Area was the second community in Nigeria where oil was discovered. However, he emphasized that there are no factories in the entire Isoko nation.
These concerns were raised during the Outstanding Personalities Awards ceremony held in Oleh community, Isoko South Local Government Area.
Ogidi lamented that the Isoko nation is plagued by individuals who exhibit a “Pull Him Down” (PHD) syndrome, hindering the progress of the land. He noted that Isoko people have wasted time criticizing and undermining their own leaders, mentors, and spiritual figures, even when those leaders have not performed exceptionally well.
Furthermore, he highlighted the absence of Isoko representatives at the federal and state levels, as well as in key bodies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
Ogidi clarified that he is not suggesting that the leaders have excelled, but he called on the Isoko people to cease the practice of undermining their own, particularly leaders and mentors, and instead unite in love as a community to propel the Isoko nation forward.
