POLITICAL INTIMIDATION, SYSTEMATIC NEGLECT AND ABANDONMENT OF IJAW COMMUNITIES IN EDO SOUTH MUST STOP,

PRESS STATEMENT

POLITICAL INTIMIDATION, SYSTEMATIC NEGLECT AND ABANDONMENT OF IJAW COMMUNITIES IN EDO SOUTH MUST STOP

The leadership and stakeholders of Ijaw-speaking communities in Edo South, particularly in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, wish to categorically condemn the growing pattern of political intimidation, marginalization, and systemic neglect being meted out to our people despite our overwhelming electoral support for the present administration.

The niger Delta Youth leader Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami said, It is deeply troubling that communities such as Egbema Kingdom, Olodiama Kingdom, Okomu Kingdom, and Gbarun Kingdom  all within Ovia South-West LGA continue to suffer developmental exclusion and political sidelining. This injustice stands in sharp contrast to the sacrifices, loyalty, and democratic commitment demonstrated by our people.

He revealed that, the deplorable condition of the Egbema Road, awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission in 2012 as the Udo-Ofunama Road Project, remains a painful reminder of broken promises and failed responsibility. More than a decade after the award, little and no meaningful progress has been recorded. The road has deteriorated into a dangerous and impassable route, cutting off riverine communities from economic opportunities, healthcare access, educational advancement, and security support. Noting that, this prolonged abandonment is not only unacceptable it is unbearable. Road infrastructure is not a privilege; it is a fundamental necessity. The continued neglect of this critical project reflects a disturbing disregard for the wellbeing of our people.

Mingo reiterate that, We further raise serious concerns over: The persistent difficulty in deploying adequate machinery and personnel for PVC registration in riverine Ijaw communities.

The limited inclusion of qualified Ijaw sons and daughters in key political appointments. The continuous sidelining of development projects in Ijaw-populated areas across: Ovia North-East Local Government Area,  Ovia South-West Local Government Area and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area,  These actions, whether deliberate or systemic, amount to political exclusion and undermine the principles of equity, fairness, and inclusive governance.

Let it be clearly stated: Ijaws in Edo State are not strangers. We are bona fide citizens of this state. We have contributed immensely to the economic growth, political stability, and electoral victories recorded in Edo State. Our oil-bearing communities play a strategic role in the state's revenue architecture. Our votes have consistently strengthened democratic outcomes.

Development must never be selective. Governance must never be tribal. Leadership must never reward loyalty with neglect.

We therefore call on the Edo State Government and relevant federal intervention agencies to:

Immediately prioritize and fast-track the completion of the Egbema (Udo-Ofunama) Road project.

Ensure equitable distribution of development projects across Ijaw communities.

Guarantee inclusive political appointments that reflect the diversity of Edo South. Facilitate unhindered PVC registration and democratic participation in riverine areas.

Anything short of this will further erode confidence and deepen the sense of injustice among our people.

The time to correct these injustices is now. Silence should not be mistaken for weakness. Patience should not be mistaken for surrender.

We remain committed to peace, unity, and democratic engagement  but justice and fairness must prevail.

Signed:

Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka

Niger Delta Youth Leader