The Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) has stated that a new group, the Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT), lacks the authority to speak for the Isoko Nation.
INYA President, Comrade Eniwake Orogun, and Secretary-General, Governor Emumena, in a statement, described ISOPLOT as an unauthorized and mischievous group operating in the shadows that lacks structure, legitimacy, or credible standing within the Isoko youth leadership.
It dissociated the Isoko Nation from ISOPLOT’s recent divisive publication, advising that such statements be disregarded as personal opinions lacking any official backing.
“It is with concern and a sense of duty that the Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide, the umbrella body representing Isoko youths globally, is compelled to address a recent publication masquerading as the voice of the Isoko people.
“We categorically denounce and dissociate the entire Isoko Nation from the press statement issued on June 16, 2025, by an obscure entity called the Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT).
“While the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of association and expression, this fundamental right does not confer legitimacy or authority upon any random collection of individuals to arrogate to themselves the mantle of speaking for the Isoko youths, let alone the Isoko nation.
“ISOPLOT is unknown to the Isoko socio-political structure. It possesses no mandate, no broad-based membership, and no traceable lineage within our established youth leadership frameworks.
“It is, at best, an unauthorized and potentially mischievous sub-group operating in the shadows,” the youth body said.
The youth group observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward delineation exercise in Warri is not an Isoko issue as portrayed by ISOPLOT in its statement of June 16, 2025.
It said the Isoko people are not constituents of the Warri Federal Constituency and, as such, the delineation exercise primarily concerns the territorial and political dynamics of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo ethnic groups within that specific geographical area.
“We are utterly perplexed by ISOPLOT’s motives in dragging the Isoko Nation into this complex inter-ethnic matter.
“What business does an Isoko group have dictating terms or stoking fears about ward allocations in Warri, a territory far removed from our ancestral lands and political jurisdiction?
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“This unwarranted interference raises serious questions about ISOPLOT’s true sponsors and intentions.
“While ISOPLOT fabricates outrage over Warri, the Isoko nation has a legitimate and pressing grievance with INEC that they conveniently ignored.
“Before the last statewide delineation exercise, Isoko North Local Government Area had two state constituencies. This was in recognition of our population and contribution to the national purse.
“Shockingly and unjustly, INEC reduced Isoko North to just one constituency.
“This reduction is a blatant injustice, particularly for a people who contribute significantly to the national coffers, notably producing the largest volume of onshore crude oil in Nigeria.
“We demand the immediate restoration of our second state constituency in Isoko North. This is the matter that rightfully commands the attention and advocacy of genuine Isoko representatives, not meddling in Warri’s affairs.
“Despite our categorical rejection of ISOPLOT’s unauthorized statement and its inflammatory undertones, we recognize that heightened tension in Warri or anywhere in Delta South has the potential for negative spillover effects.
“We therefore urge all parties directly involved in the Warri delineation issue – the Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo communities, INEC, and relevant state and federal authorities to engage in dialogue, exercise maximum restraint, and act with utmost caution.
“The paramount objectives must be equity, fairness, inclusion, and the preservation of the hard-won peace and progress of our dear Delta State.
“We stand against any actions or rhetoric that threaten this stability,” the youth body added.
