•••Set Agenda

By Enaibo Asiayei

The Ijaw sons and daughters of Delta State gathered to assess their socio-economic and political situation in the state, since its creation in 1991.

The meeting which was chiefly predicated at the 2023 gubernatorial elections was held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at BB Hotel and Suites, Warri.

Political, traditional, community, religious, youth, women and student leaders from across the Ijaw communities in Patani, Bomadi, Burutu, Warri South West, Warri South and Warri North Local Government Areas of Delta State, were all participants.

Speaking at the event, the group argued that all these years, the Ijaw leaders were at the forefront of the struggle for the creation of Delta State from the defunct Bendel State.

Noting that have strongly supported other ethnic nationalities of the State to produce the Governor of Delta State over the years.

“The Ijaws of Delta State have been active players in the socio-economic and political affairs since the days of Western and Mid-Western regions, Bendel State and now Delta State.

“Ijaw leaders were at the forefront of the struggle for the creation of Delta State from the defunct Bendel State.

“The Ijaw people have made huge sacrifice and contribution to the socio-economic sustenance of Delta State.

“However, despite the human and economic contributions of the Ijaws to the sustenance of the state, our communities do not have commiserate infrastructural development.

“The Ijaw people over the years have strongly supported other ethnic nationalities of the State to produce the Governor of Delta State.

“The meeting took note of the fact that Chief Dennis Osadebey of the present Anioma was the Premier of the defunct Mid-Western Region, when it was created in 1963 with Chief Jereton Marierie from Urhobo as Governor.

“In the present Delta State, the Ijaws massively supported the emergence of Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief James Ibori from Urhobo ethnic nationality, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality and Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa from the Ika (Anioma) ethnic nationality as Governor.

“Though there was no agreement on power rotation, all the three senatorial districts have produced the Governor of Delta State.”

After a critical and exhaustive deliberations, they urged Ijaws to work with other ethnic nationalities in the State to produce the next Governor of Delta State as they commended Governor Okowa for his strides in the infrastructural development.

“In the spirit of fairness, equity and brotherhood, we appeal to the other ethnic nationalities of Delta State to support a Candidate of Ijaw extraction to become the Governor of Delta State in 2023.

“The meeting urged Ijaws to work in collaboration with other ethnic nationalities in the State to achieve the resolution to produce the next Governor of Delta State because we cannot do it alone.

“The meeting commended Governor Okowa for his strides in the infrastructural development of Delta State and his vision to build a stronger Delta State.

“The meeting also called on Ijaws to continue to support the administration of Governor Okowa and urge the youths to remain calm and maintain the existing peace in the State.”

Meanwhile, the consultative meeting communique was signed by Alaowei Broderick Bozimo; Chief Godspower Gbenekama, Elder Edmund Tiemo and Hon. Pius Labo.

While the personalities in attendance includes Senator James Manager, representing Delta South Senatorial District, Dr. Braduce Angozi, former Commissioner, Delta State; Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Member representating Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency; Hon. Frank Enekorogha, Professor Benjamin Okaba, President INC, Chief Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, the covener; Chief Mrs. Bamuza Mutu, High Chief Mike Loyibo; Chief Frank Omare; Elder P.Y Biakpara; Hon. Oboro Preyor; Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Elder Fred Owoturofa, Chief Clark Gbenewei, among others. 

See photos below…

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