Itsekiri group demands leadership overhaul, rejects speaker’s return

A fresh wave of political tension is building in Delta South as the Itsekiri Youths for Good Governance (IYGG) has called for a sweeping leadership overhaul, backing demands to unseat underperforming elected officials and firmly opposing the return of Delta Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.

In a statement issued after the 5th National Congress of the Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition (IGC) in Warri, the group endorsed criticisms by IGC national coordinator Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, who faulted the performance of Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and House of Representatives member, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi.

IYGG chairman, Mone Oris, said both lawmakers failed to deliver meaningful representation, stressing that public office must translate into tangible benefits for constituents.

“As an organisation committed to good governance, we believe the Itsekiri people deserve competent and responsive representation at all levels. Any leader who fails to meet the expectations of the people should be replaced by more capable individuals,” the group stated.

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The group also backed calls for a new political direction, urging the Ijaw bloc to field more acceptable candidates if it hopes to retain Itsekiri support in future elections.

Taking a direct swipe at Guwor, IYGG accused the Speaker of failing to promote laws that encourage unity and inclusiveness across Delta communities, vowing to block any attempt at his political return.

Reaffirming its stance, the group declared it would mobilise against his re-election, insisting that “the interests of the people must come first.”

It further urged Itsekiri stakeholders at home and in the diaspora to rally behind credible leaders capable of advancing the region’s interests and addressing longstanding challenges in Warri and beyond.