INYA throws weight behind “NO LIGHT NO CAMPAIGN” agitation in Isokoland
Omeiza Bilal
The Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) Worldwide has thrown its weight behind the “NO LIGHT NO CAMPAIGN” agitation in Isoko South and Isoko North Local Government Areas of Delta State.
In a statement by Public Relations Officer, INYA Worldwide, Nigeria Emmanuel, the campaign is aimed at compelling relevant authorities to provide reliable electricity for the Isokos.
According to INYA, “The near-total collapse of electricity supply across our communities in Isoko has crippled businesses, economic activities and driven our people deeper into poverty caused by prolonged electricity blackout across Isoko Nation yet Isoko Nation is blessed with abundance of oil and gas resources that can provide an alternative power supply for our people.
“Truly, a Nation cannot campaign for votes in darkness while its citizens live in darkness – NO LIGHT NO CAMPAIGN.
“For the sake of emphasis, Sections 104 and 105 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 prohibit gas flaring, penalties associated with gas flaring and mandate gas utilisation and monetisation plans within 12 months of the Act’s commencement.
“Furthermore, following the 2023 Constitutional Amendment, electricity supply is no longer under the Exclusive Legislative List. State Governments now have powers to generate, transmit, distribute, and regulate electricity. There is therefore no excuse for the darkness in Isoko Nation.”
The Isoko youth body said there is an urgent need for its political class, traditional rulers, Isoko Development Union (IDU), President Generals of communities particularly host communities and the youths to speak with one voice and act in unity toward achieving the objective of steady electricity supply in Isokoland.
“Electricity is not a privilege — it is the oxygen that drives every economy. We must collaborate to hold the relevant authorities – the Delta State Government, BEDC, NERC, and the oil & gas multinationals operating in our land accountable to ensure that Isoko’s contribution to Nigeria’s wealth is matched with light in our homes,” INYA said.
INYA warned: “Finally, we’re not oblivious of plans to intimidate through arrest the convener of the “NO LIGHT NO CAMPAIGN” Mr Ubara Obaro to obstruct the agitation . We want to warn sternly that such an idea should be jettisoned, ELSE Isoko youths will have no choice than to join the agitation in a broader scale.”
