The Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought (ISOPLOT) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to the preservation and advancement of the political, economic, and cultural dignity of the Isoko Nation.
In a press release issued on Monday by Comrade Omoraro Daniel, Chairman, and Comrade Oviomaigho Henry, Secretary, the group emphasized that the principle of “Isoko First” remains their resolute guiding philosophy.
Reacting to recent criticism by the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) over its stance on the controversial Warri Ward delineation exercise, ISOPLOT—through its leadership—described INYA’s position as “unsurprising and compromised,” accusing the group of losing touch with the realities and interests of the Isoko people.
Chairman Comrade Omoraro Daniel criticized INYA for what he termed a “disgraceful” reliance on external interests, citing the controversial commissioning of the Isoko Youth House as a clear example of the group’s alleged deviation from Isoko values. He questioned why an individual from another ethnic group was invited to preside over the ceremony, despite the presence of respected Isoko leaders and dignitaries.
Secretary Comrade Oviomaigho Henry condemned INYA’s silence on key issues affecting Isoko’s political future, especially the April 25, 2025 press release by the Delta Ijaw Progressives Worldwide, which advocated for the Warri or Burutu Federal Constituency to represent Delta South Senatorial District in the 2027 elections—despite an Isoko senator currently occupying the seat.
ISOPLOT also decried the ongoing Ward delineation exercise in Warri, warning that it threatens to destabilize ethnic balance in the Delta South Senatorial District. The group believes the process is strategically designed to politically sideline the Isoko and Itsekiri ethnic groups, thereby jeopardizing any chance of producing a governor from the region in 2031, when the governorship is expected to rotate back to Delta South.
Calling for immediate action, Comrade Omoraro Daniel urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the National Security Adviser and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend or cancel the ward delineation exercise. He warned that the current political maneuverings could breed unrest and undermine regional unity.
The group emphasized—through Comrade Oviomaigho Henry—that the pipeline surveillance allocations given to the Isoko people are rights, not privileges, highlighting Isoko’s significant contribution of over 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily to the national economy.
Quoting German theologian Martin Niemöller’s famous words on political apathy, ISOPLOT warned against inaction, urging all stakeholders to rise in defense of the Isoko Nation before it becomes too late.
“We must think Isoko First,” the statement noted. “We call on all leaders and sons and daughters of Isoko to unite, speak with one voice, and protect our political future.”
