Isoko Communities Protest Blackout, Warn Politicians ‘No Light, No Campaign’

Many men, youths, and women from Isoko communities in Delta State recently joined the ongoing protest and campaign of ‘Isoko Need Light, No Light, No Campaign’ in Isoko nation over the protracted electricity crisis in the land.

According to the protesters the lack of electricity was crippling local businesses, stifling economic activity, disrupting livelihoods, and undermining education, particularly in institutions like the universities in Ozoro and Oleh, as well as artisans who rely on steady power supply.

For instance, the women, mainly market women and other businesses owners staged the peaceful protest at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of the State and marched through streets, calling on the state and federal governments to resolve the protracted electricity crisis in Isoko or face rejection during the 2027 general election.

The protesting women carrying placards bearing various inscriptions such as “Isoko Needs Light, No Light No Campaign.” They accused politicians of ignoring the long-standing power challenges in the land and vowed that there will be no political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general election unless a lasting solution is provided.

They explained that despite being a leading oil-producing region, Isoko nation has suffered so much neglect, saying that the protracted electricity crisis continued to add to their hardship brought by the Bola Tinubu’s APC administration.

The women, therefore, demanded an end to the blackout that has plagued oil-producing communities for years, insisting that the Isoko nation, despite being a major contributor to Nigeria’s treasury, has faced severe marginalisation.

They added their voice to the incessant calls for the immediate completion of the abandoned NDDC 132/33 KVA Ozoro substation to ensure 24-hour electricity supply.

According to the women, they can no longer afford the cost of fuel and diesel to power their generators as their businesses have been crumbled following the protracted electricity crisis in Isoko.

They lamented that as the goose that lays the golden egg, they continued to suffer protracted electricity failure, saying Isoko is a major oil producer in Nigeria, but still suffering from electricity failure and they stand on ‘Isoko Need Light’, ‘No Light, No Campaign,’ protest.

Meanwhile, in a solidarity move, the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) worldwide, led by its president, Eniwake Orogu, has thrown its weight behind the ‘Isoko Need Light, No Light, No Campaign’ protest in Isoko land.

In a press statement titled, “INYA Stand In Solidarity With The “No Light No Campaign'” Agitation-A United Voice Against Economic Strangulation By Power Failure”, signed by Nigeria Emmanuel, Public Relations Officer, (INYA) worldwide, the group declared what it called unflinching solidarity with the “No Light, No Campaign” agitation.

“The near total collapse of electricity supply across our communities in Isoko Nation 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.

“There’s an urgent need for our political class, traditional rulers, The Isoko Development union (IDU), Presidents Generals of communities particularly host communities and the Youths of Isoko Nation to speak with one voice and act in unity.

“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.