We cannot boast of electricity despite oil exploitation – Ex-PDP Chair lament
Emmanuel Ogidi, the former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, expressed his dismay over the absence of development in Isoko land, highlighting that no community in the region has access to electricity despite the exploitation of oil and gas resources. He specifically pointed out that Uzere Community in Isoko North Local Government Area was the second community in Nigeria where oil was discovered, yet Isoko lacks industrial infrastructure.
Ogidi voiced these concerns during the Outstanding Personalities Awards ceremony held in Oleh community, Isoko South Local Government Area. He attributed the lack of progress in Isoko to a prevalent “Pull Him Down” syndrome, where individuals actively oppose development in the area. He also noted the Isoko community’s history of undermining their own leaders, mentors, and spiritual figures, even when these leaders have not performed admirably.
Additionally, Ogidi emphasized that the Isoko people lack representation at the Federal and State levels, including in significant organizations like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
While acknowledging that leaders have not met exceptional standards, Ogidi urged the Isoko people to discontinue the practice of undermining their leaders, mentors, and unite in a spirit of collaboration and love to drive progress and development in the Isoko nation.
