Some notable ltsekiri leaders, on Friday, paid a solidarity visit to High Chief Bibopere Ajube at his Agadagba-Obon residence in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The delegation which was led by Hon Michael Diden consisted of prominent Itsekiri voices including Chief (Dr) Godfrey Erewa, Hon Emasan Mbiake, Hon Solomon Alewinakwi, Hon Zino Onaemo, Hon Victor Egbo Oleemena, Hon Matthew Udenwenkewe and Hon Francis Ariyo
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Hon Michael Diden who led the delegation underscored the need for wider consultation and collaboration in moving the Niger Delta and the nation forward, commending High Chief Ajube for the patriotic and selfless leadership he has been providing.
Diden remarked that the Niger Delta is one, regardless of the tribal differences that seem to make the people different.
“We are simply one and the same people. Particularly, the Ijaws and the ltsekiris are closely related. We have a robust history of trade and cultural commonalities. We have identical environmental challenges and shared development aspirations. We are very interrelated and highly dependent on ourselves. All of these make us inseparable.
“So, today, we are literally home away from home. Senior High Chief Ajube is our beloved brother who has given so much of himself to the Niger Delta. We applaud him for his patriotism all this while, and at the just concluded meeting here, we have been able to secure shared assurances to collaborate and work together for a more peaceful and developed Niger Delta.
“Today, you can see. The country is passing through a lot of challenges. For instance, the nation’s oil production level is dropping and oil theft is going on unabated in the onshore. It is a trying time for all of us. This foregrounds our position that the federal government pipeline surveillance contract should be liberalised to allow each state to protect oil and gas assets in its domain.
“If we can work together, the current oil production of about 1.422m barrels per day can be scaled up to 3million barrels per day, exceeding the federal government projected output of 1.78 million barrels per day in the 2024 budget.
“We must think less of ourselves and be active partners in progress. The fact is that, it is expedient for us to make collaborative efforts to move our region forward in a more coherent and peaceful manner devoid of petty sentiments. What we want is peace, security and development.
“If we really want the development of the Niger Delta, then there must be peace. Peace is the only condition and recipe for development. Of course, the ljaws and the ltsekiris may have had rough edges in the past, but the past is gone and gone forever. We must unite towards a brighter future and we have identified High Chief Ajube as a worthy partner in this regard,” Hon Diden added.
