As tensions continue to escalate over Isoko over the arrest of a young activist, MC Ajirioghene Otagba, who publicly criticized the abandonment of the 132/33KVA substation project in Ozoro, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas of Delta South Senatorial District has stepped in to address the crisis, expressing solidarity with the Isoko people.
The project, originally awarded to Income Electrix Ltd, a company belonging to Matthew Edevbie, by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the early 2000s, has remained uncompleted, leaving Isoko communities in darkness.
In a press statement, he condemned the arrest and emphasized the fundamental right of citizens to speak against injustice.
“It’s disheartening to see that despite Uzere, where oil was first discovered after Oloibiri in Bayelsa, making Isoko one of the largest onshore crude oil producers in the country, our people continue to suffer,” the Senator stated.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Senator Joel-Onowakpo revealed that he has engaged in discussions with Chief Matthew Edevbie, who has agreed to take steps towards securing the release of MC Ajirioghene. He called on Isoko leaders to act swiftly to maintain peace and prevent further unrest.
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The Senator also disclosed that, prior to the incident, he had been working alongside Chief Matthew Edevbie, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Isoko Development Union President-General Prof. Chris Akpotu, and other stakeholders to revive the stalled substation project. He urged the community to remain patient as efforts to restart the project continue.
“As the Senator of Delta South, I want to assure you that I’m committed to finding solutions to our community’s problems. I’ll continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that our community receives the development it deserves,” he affirmed.
In a final call for unity, Senator Joel-Onowakpo encouraged Isoko people to embrace understanding, compassion, and dialogue as a means of fostering peace and development in the region.
The development comes amid growing concerns over infrastructure neglect in the Niger Delta, with communities urging the government to fulfill its commitments to the region. As stakeholders push for the resumption of the substation project, all eyes remain on the unfolding situation and the release of MC Ajirioghene.
