Benin—The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has described as reckless, the marginalization of Ijaws in Edo State by Godwin Obaseki administration.
In a statement by the secretary of IYC western zone, Comr. Olu-Derimon Omaghomi, the IYC expressed dissatisfaction with the Obaseki-led government over the inability of the Ijaws to feel the impact of good governance.
Omaghomi while congratulating the governor on the state’s 30th anniversary, stated that successive administrations have marginalized the Ijaws in the state despite their immense contributions to the growth of the state’s economy, Daily Report Nigeria reports.
According to him, despite Ijaws occupying over 100 communities with enormous voting strength during elections, they are still starved of political representation and recognition in the state.
The statement reads in part: “The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone congratulates Governor Godwin Obaseki on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Edo State.
“The IYC is hopeful for better days but decries the gross marginalization of Ijaw people in Edo state who have suffered from previous to present administrations lack of political representation, recognition of our pristine traditional rulers and of course the untenable development of Ijaw communities, despite our contributions to the economy of the state.
“It is a known fact that from timber to oil and gas and agriculture, Ijaw people contributed immensely in keeping the economy of Edo State afloat, yet we are recklessly marginalized in every sphere in a State where the Ijaws are the largest tribe in Edo South Senatorial District with over 100 Communities with strong voting strengths.
“However, we reinstate our commitment to building the Edo of our dream, but Gov. Obaseki should introspect the gross marginalization meted to our people.
“Even as we celebrate, we expect that the administration of Gov. Godwin Obaseki will do justice to our plights.”
