WARRI: We are using this press conference to urgently call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to pay serious attention to the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic in Burutu, the only state-owned tertiary institution in Delta Ijaw land. The Polytechnic was established by an Act of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2006 and commenced operations in 2011.
However, since its inception, no significant infrastructure has been completed at its permanent site. The land donated for the school is now overrun by snakes, reptiles, overgrown weeds, and various dangerous creatures. This situation is deeply concerning, especially considering that, within months of establishing the Southern Delta University at Orerokpe, impressive structures have already been erected. We urge the state government to bring the same level of attention and commitment to the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic in Burutu.
Additionally, we call on the Delta State Government to send an executive bill to the Delta State House of Assembly, officially backing the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development, as a permanent legal body, akin to the Warri, Uvwie, and Environs Special Area Development Agency and the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.
We also urge the Governor to urgently address the political imbalance in Warri North Local Government Area, where only Itsekiris have been given commissioner slots, despite the area being predominantly Ijaw, particularly the Ijaws of Egbema and Itsekiri.
Furthermore, we highlight the discontent of Ijaw youths who played a crucial role in the election of Governor Oborevwori, yet have not been appointed to any official positions. Their neglect is troubling, particularly when members of other ethnic groups, who contributed far less, are flourishing within the government. The Ijaw youths feel abandoned.
If the state government does not take immediate action to resolve these issues within the next month, we will consider a vote of no confidence and protests as a means of sending a clear message to the government. We are committed to ensuring that the voices of the Ijaw people are heard and respected, and that the development of Ijaw areas is no longer neglected.
In conclusion, we call for proactive dialogue between the Delta State Government and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to address these pressing issues. It is essential that the government engages constructively to prevent further escalation and to promote a more harmonious relationship with the Ijaw communities.
