By Shina Badmus
The National Secretary of the New Nigerian Democratic Evolution, NNDE, Engineer Olaye Messiah has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to consider the people of Delta south, particularly the Ijaw ethnic nationality, in his appointments for proportional and equitable representation.
Engr. Olaye made the call in a publication sent to GbaramatuVoice on Wednesday from his residence in Abuja.
He stated that PMB has done well for Delta Central by giving them ministerial appointment in the person of Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN), as Minister of State Labour and Employment; Chief Bernard Okumagba as MD Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, while Delta north had the opportunity of being the governor of Central Bank, a post that is held for a first and second tenure in this administration.
Engr. Olaye asserted that while it is true that both Okumagba and Keyamo are distinguished gentlemen who have proven their mettle and very qualified to serve their father land, however, he noted that Delta South appears to be losing out in the scheme of things despite its enormous contribution to the development of the Nigerian economy.
He stressed on the necessity of PMB to ensure that Delta South particularly the Ijaw nation, be considered as a peculiar terrain that requires accelerated development as a result of the environmental degradation occasioned by the activities of the International Oil Companies, IOCs.
He stated that the ‘seismic’ and exploration activities by the IOCs in the region is detrimental to the people of the region, who have nothing to show for the stupendous wealth endowed on them by nature.
According to him, “The New Nigerian Democratic Evolution is determined to partner with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to stimulate the developmental effort of the Ijaw nation as much as that of the federal government under the watch of PMB.
“The people of Ijaw nation contributed their quota in delivering PMB for the first and second tenure. Having done so much for Mr. President, it is only worthwhile and germane for the APC led federal government to adequately consider the Ijaw nation.
“The appointments made so far by Mr. President are tilted towards one side, instead of having an even spread of the dividends of democracy in terms of human capital empowerment.”
While appealing to his fellow people of Ijaw extraction to be calm, he compassionately appealed to PMB to consider the Ijaw people in Delta South for subsequent appointments.
Engr. Olaye also called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State to consider the call to establish the Coaster Area Development Agency, CADA as encapsulated in the Delta Ijaw Political Agenda, DIPA blue print.
This he said would ensure efficient and effective development of the coaster region.
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