IYC Issues One-Month Ultimatum to Oborevwori Over Alleged Neglect of Ijaw Areas

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has issued a one-month ultimatum to the Delta State government over what it describes as the deliberate neglect and underdevelopment of Ijaw areas in Delta State under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

The council’s spokesperson, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, made the statement during a press conference held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he expressed the council’s frustration regarding the current state of Ijaw communities, particularly in Burutu Local Government Area.

“If the Delta State government fails to act within one month to address these issues, we will have no choice but to express our discontent through protests and a vote of no confidence,” Princewill warned.

Princewill expressed concern about the perceived lack of significant development for the Ijaw people, despite their substantial political and economic contributions to the state. He accused the Oborevwori administration of failing to deliver any major projects that benefit the Ijaw ethnic group.

“We are beginning to perceive Oborevwori as a governor who lacks developmental plans or an agenda for the Ijaws.

“His projects have been viewed as highly sentimental and against all known principles of fairness, justice, and equity. They appear to be twisted and skewed against the Ijaws of Delta State. The Ijaws cannot continue to be disproportionately burdened while others benefit from our contributions.”

“The IYC is stating clearly that we cannot continue to be micromanaged by the state government. There is a need to balance his administration, ensuring that all ethnic groups in Delta have a sense of belonging. Delta State belongs to all of us, and the Ijaw ethnic group is a serious stakeholder in the state.”

The IYC spokesperson pointed to the governor’s budgets for 2024 and 2025, claiming a lack of adequate provision for the Ijaw people, with repeated projects from previous budgets instead of fresh plans for development.

He urged Governor Oborevwori to prioritize the long-neglected Delta State Maritime Polytechnic in Burutu, which, despite being established in 2006 and starting operations in 2011, has seen no substantial development at its permanent site. Princewill disclosed that the land donated for the school is now overtaken by snakes, weeds, and dangerous creatures, while the Southern Delta University in Orerokpe has seen significant progress. “We need the same attention for the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic,” he said.

Speaking further, the IYC called on the governor to address political imbalances, particularly in Warri North Local Government Area, where only Itsekiris have been appointed to commissioner positions, despite the area’s large Ijaw population.

Princewill also stressed the need for a Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development to be officially recognized by law, similar to other special development agencies in Warri, Uvwie, and surrounding areas, such as the Special Area Development Agency and the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.

The IYC concluded by stating the neglect of Ijaw youths who played a crucial role in securing Oborevwori’s election victory. Princewill claimed these youths have been sidelined, while their counterparts from other ethnic groups have been appointed to key government positions.

“This is appalling, especially when their counterparts from other ethnic groups, who did no more than they did during the elections, are thriving in his government. The Ijaw youths have been so neglected,” Princewill added.