But for some divine intervention, Itsekiri could have been completely absent at the recently held Public Hearing…
Contrary to the obnoxious news being peddle on the social media by some of our brothers, I wish to state without equivocation that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality was congruously represented at the one day public hearing on a bill for an Act to establish the maritime university, Okerenkoko, Delta State.
Prior to the public hearing and presentation, the Itsekiri National Youths Council under the leadership of Comr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro worked assiduously in collaboration with the office of Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, member representing Warri Federal Constituency prepared and submitted 21 copies of the Itsekiri position as required by the House of Representatives as a rule guiding memoranda at public hearing. (26th September 2017)
Barr. Lawrence, an eloquent lawyer who made a brilliant presentation at the public hearing on behalf of the Itsekiri submitted that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality is not against but in support of the establishment of the maritime university. However, they will not sit back and watch the annexation and changing the name of their land from Okerenghigho to Okerenkoko as the House of Representatives cannot act in variance with the judgement of the supreme court. After reading the law report containing the supreme court judgement, Barr. Lawrence went further to insist on the need to respect and act accordingly on the landmark judgement given in favour of the ltsekiri by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
The presentation of the Barr. Lawrence startled the entire audience including our ijaw neighbours in the hall of the public hearing led to some minutes of silence and this prompted the chairman of the committee Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago to state that if he relies on the factor of this supreme court judgement and the controversy that is to be occassioned by this factor, his recommendation may not favour the establishment of the university and so, he stated that a committee to harmonise the interests of all the contending factors including the INYC will be set up to have a win-win situation.
In addition chief Tony Ede stated clearly the position of the ltsekiri Nationality and call on the chairman of the House committee to do the needful in the circumstance urgently.
It is on this note that I enjoin all ltsekiris to speak in one voice for our common history and identity.
Together we can change the narrative!
