IYC Decries Exclusion From Newly Approved 70 Road Projects in Delta

National President of ljaw Youth Council (IYC), Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi

By Kelly Gilor

Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) came hard on Delta State Government over alleged exclusion of ljaw ethnic group from the 70 road projects recently approved by the State Executive Council for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the state.

National President of ljaw Youth Council (IYC), Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi accused the Okowa led government of marginalizing the ljaw communities in terms of development.

Oweilaemi said “The ljaw speaking areas in the state are being alienated in the distribution of democratic dividends. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa should act like Governor of all ethnic groups in the state. If Governor Okowa should by act or omission sideline or marginalize the ljaw people in the state given the fact that we the ljaws have the electorate value to determine and decide the fate of any government of in the state.

According to the IYC boss, “Just recently, the Okowa led government approved reconstruction and rehabilitation of over 70 road projects across the three Senatorial district of the state. Surprisedly and regrettably, none was approved in any of the ljaw communities (areas) , as if we the ljaws are not part of the state. This is a democratic apathy taken too far. The ljaw man and woman can no longer accept to be second fiddle human beings in his own state.

“We call on Governor Okowa to reconsider his decision immediately and approve road projects across the ljaw communities for the interest of peace, justice and equity. As we speak, for the past three years of stewardship by this present government. Bomadi local government area has no single road project ongoing to the credit of Sen. Okowa led government. Not much has been given Patani, Burutu and Warri South West. The ljaws in Warri North has no single taste of democratic dividends from the present government “he said.