In a fervent appeal addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Isoko Ethnic Nationalities President Generals Forum, headquartered at Irri Town, Isoko South, Delta State, has called for urgent actions to address the alleged systemic marginalisation and deprivation suffered by the Isoko ethnic nationality since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999.

The forum voiced its grievances over what it described as the deliberate neglect of the Isoko people by past democratic administrations, particularly in the areas of federal appointments and the provision of essential infrastructure.

The letter, penned by the leadership of the Isoko Ethnic Nationalities President Generals Forum, underscored that prior to the inception of the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in 2023, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Isoko nationality was consistently overlooked by its representatives at the federal level.

The forum accused the representatives of the area of woefully failing to advocate for or secure a fair share of federal resources, opportunities, and developmental projects for the people.

“This neglect has perpetuated a cycle of deprivation that has stifled the socio-economic growth of the Isoko community, despite its rich cultural heritage and contributions to Nigeria’s national fabric,” the group said. The appeal detailed the forum’s frustration with the indifference of past administrations towards the Isoko nationality’s plight. It highlighted a stark disparity in the allocation of federal appointments, with the Isoko people receiving minimal representation in key government positions.

The forum pointed to a significant lack of federal infrastructure projects in Isoko South and the broader Isoko region, which has left communities underserved and disconnected from national development initiatives. The absence of such investments, the letter noted, has compounded the challenges faced by the Isoko people, limiting access to opportunities that could enhance their quality of life.

Expressing hope in the transformative potential of President Tinubu’s leadership, the group urged him to take decisive steps to rectify these injustices. The forum called for deliberate policies to ensure equitable representation of the Isoko nationality in federal appointments, emphasising the need for qualified individuals from the region to be considered for significant roles in government.

Additionally, the group appealed for the prioritisation of federal infrastructure projects in Isoko South and surrounding areas, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and other critical amenities that would foster development and integration into the national economy.

The group reiterated its confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to usher in a new era of fairness and opportunity for the Isoko people.