Edo at 35: Mingo Accuses Government of Tribalism, Sentiment, Urges Okpebholo to Prioritize Development in Ijaw Areas,

Edo at 35: Mingo Accuses Government of Tribalism, Sentiment, Urges Okpebholo to Prioritize Development in Ijaw Areas

…Says Edo Ijaws Have Been Marginalised in Political Representation, Infrastructure and Traditional Institutions

By EgbemaVoice

Niger Delta youth leader and KingdomVoice advocate, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, has congratulated the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on the 35th anniversary of the creation of Edo State, while calling on the state government to urgently address what he described as decades of marginalisation, neglect and developmental imbalance affecting Ijaw communities across the state.

In a goodwill message marking the anniversary, Mingo acknowledged the progress recorded in Edo State since its creation from the former Bendel State, but expressed concern that the benefits of governance and development have not been equitably distributed, particularly to Ijaw-speaking communities and traditional institutions.

According to him, the 35th anniversary should not only be a moment of celebration but also an opportunity for the government to reflect on the experiences of minority ethnic groups and ensure that every community in Edo State receives fair treatment, political inclusion and meaningful development.

Mingo alleged that tribal sentiments and perceived ethnic bias in governance have contributed to the continued neglect of Ijaw areas, particularly in the areas of roads, infrastructure, political participation, local government representation and recognition of traditional institutions.

He said the historical restructuring of the former Bendel State placed many Ijaw communities that had longstanding connections with the Warri Province within the newly created Edo State, but argued that their inclusion within Edo has not translated into commensurate political and developmental opportunities.

“35 Years Without Meaningful Development in Some Ijaw Communities”

The Niger Delta youth leader lamented that, despite the enormous natural resources associated with parts of Edo State, several Ijaw communities continue to face poor road networks, inadequate public infrastructure and limited government presence.

He particularly called for urgent intervention in the provision of accessible roads, electricity, healthcare facilities, schools, water projects and other basic infrastructure across Ijaw communities.

Mingo maintained that government development programmes must be guided by equity and need rather than ethnicity, political affiliation or traditional influence.

He further alleged that Ijaw traditional institutions have not received adequate recognition and benefits within the state's governance structure, urging the government to review existing arrangements and ensure that constitutionally recognised traditional entities receive appropriate consideration.

Call for Political Inclusion

Mingo also raised concerns over what he described as the political marginalisation of Edo Ijaws, arguing that minority communities should have equitable opportunities to participate in elective and appointive positions.

He called on Governor Okpebholo to promote an administration in which every ethnic group in Edo State feels represented, respected and protected, regardless of population or political strength.

According to him, democracy must go beyond elections and appointments to include equal access to government programmes, political representation and opportunities for citizens to contribute to the development of the state.

“Governor Must Put Development Above Ethnic Sentiments”

The youth leader urged Governor Okpebholo to use the 35th anniversary of Edo State as a turning point by prioritising development in neglected Ijaw communities and opening a fresh dialogue with Ijaw traditional rulers, youth leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders.

He said:

«“Edo State belongs to all its citizens, irrespective of ethnic background. The Ijaw people of Edo State deserve justice, inclusion, recognition and development. Thirty-five years after the creation of the state, we cannot continue to discuss the same issues of marginalisation, poor roads, lack of infrastructure and political exclusion.”»

Mingo appealed to the governor to embark on a comprehensive assessment of the development needs of Ijaw communities and establish a clear intervention programme capable of addressing their longstanding challenges.

He also called for greater transparency in the distribution of local government resources and other public funds, stressing that communities should be able to see tangible evidence of government presence.

A New Beginning for Edo Ijaws

While congratulating Governor Okpebholo and the people of Edo State on the 35th anniversary, Mingo urged the administration to make the next phase of the state's development more inclusive.

He said the anniversary provides an opportunity to build “one Edo State where no ethnic group is treated as a second-class citizen.”

He therefore called on the governor to demonstrate political courage by addressing longstanding grievances, strengthening inter-ethnic relations and ensuring that development reaches the most neglected communities.

Mingo concluded by reaffirming his commitment to peaceful advocacy for the rights, development and inclusion of the Ijaw people of Edo State, stressing that his concerns are aimed at promoting justice, equity, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development across Edo State.

EgbemaVoice

Giving Voice to the Niger Delta