The umbrella body for Ijaw youths worldwide, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Edo State has urged Governor Godwin Obasekito to provide more infrastructural development in Ijaw communities rather than the procurement of gunboats to enhance security in the riverine areas of the state.
In a press statement in Benin on Sunday, the Secretary of Western Zone, IYC, Omaghomi Olu-Derimon, commended the governor for the enhanced security across the state.
He, however, said that the people the funds used for the procurement of gunboats would have pleased the people if it was channeled to address the huge infrastructural depletion in the riverine communities.
According to him, “Just recently, the government announced that it has acquired some gunboats for the riverine areas of Edo State which is mostly occupied by the Ijaw.
“It suffices me to say that the Edo State government bought similar boats a while ago and we are equally aware these boats are still very new and are yet to be fully utilised as far as we are concerned, so why buy more?
“We have cried out severally that Ijaw are marginalised in terms of infrastructural development and political appointments and elective positions. It would excite you to know that Ijaw in Ovia South West cannot access Benin City because of the deplorable state of Udo-Ofunama-Inikorogha Road.
“The people in those communities have to travel through water to Gelegele or Sapele, Delta State before they embark on a road journey to access the state capital or their local government headquarters.
“In the same vein, the Gelegele Ekewan Barracks Road which hitherto served as a major access route to the state capital is is now a shadow of itself.
“We have been crying for a long time that Mr Godwin Obaseki should cover up with the infrastructural underdevelopment in riverine areas of the state since he came onboard, but the story is almost similar with that of previous administrations in the state.
“I know if the story does not change under this present government, 100 gunboats will not be able to change the insecurity that will greet the water ways which will extent to the hinterland. Am saying this based on past experiences.
“We have over time demanded for three development centers for the three local government areas where Ijaw are domiciled.”
