Delta State has been a subject of various developments, ranging from political alignments to infrastructure advancements and community representation. Here’s a detailed look at the recent happenings in the state.
Political Unity and Governance
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasized that stakeholders in the state are more united under the All Progressives Congress (APC) now than before. This statement was made during a Thanksgiving and Praise Day held to mark his administration’s second anniversary in Asaba.
Oborevwori highlighted that giving thanks is an application for God to do more for the people, emphasizing that only the living can give thanks to God.
Delta: Enduring Peace Vital For Sustainable Development - Oborevwori
Acknowledging the presence of APC stalwarts, including Elder Omeni Sobotie, State APC Chairman, the three senators, members of the House of Representatives, and the House of Assembly, Oborevwori thanked God for the unity.
Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, mentioned that President Bola Tinubu predicated the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his state in January. Adding to this, the APC Delta State Chapter has affirmed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is the leader of the party in the state.
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Infrastructure and Development
The governor assured that his administration would continue to do more to develop the state. Archbishop Cyril Odutemu of the Anglican Diocese, Ughelli, noted that the state has experienced growth and development in the past two years under the Gov. Oborevwori-led administration. He also thanked Oborevwori for sustaining the projects initiated by his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Odutemu remarked on the improved road conditions, stating, “For two months I have not driven through this road. I drove from Ughelli to Asaba it took us one hour and nine minutes without potholes.”
Community Representation and Grievances
Presidents of youth councils from five Ijaw kingdoms-Gbaramatu, Egbema, Ogbe-Ijoh, Isaba, and Diebiri-have called on the Governor of Delta State to address imbalances in the current ward structure. They argue that the Ijaws receive fewer electoral wards despite having a larger population in some areas.
In Warri North, the leaders highlighted the lack of ward representation for the Egbema-Ijaw people, despite their population strength in communities such as Polobubo and its environs. They refuted claims that Warri is exclusively the homeland of the Itsekiris.
Key Points of Contention:
- Marginalization: The Ijaw (Egbema) people remain marginalized with no equitable ward allocation in Warri North.
- Ancestral Homeland: It is incorrect to claim that Warri Federal Constituency is the exclusive ancestral homeland of the Itsekiri. The Ijaw and Urhobo have long-standing, historically rooted presence in these areas.
- Representation: Representation is a constitutional right and not a gift to be given or withheld at will.
Statements and Responses
The Ijaw youth leaders defended the comments by Mr. Charles Aniagwu, a Delta State Government official, who highlighted the need to address imbalances in representation. They rejected the zero-sum narrative and emphasized the need for peaceful, equitable, and respectful co-existence among all ethnic groups in Delta State.
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They seek fairness and what is justly theirs under the law, not domination or handouts.
Table: Key Issues in Warri Federal Constituency
| Issue | Ijaw/Urhobo Perspective | Itsekiri Perspective (as refuted by Ijaw Youth Councils) |
|---|---|---|
| Ward Allocation | Unequitable allocation, marginalizing Ijaw communities | (Implied) Fair allocation based on historical and political factors |
| Ancestral Homeland | Ijaw and Urhobo have aboriginal rights and presence | (Refuted) Claim of exclusive ancestral homeland for Itsekiri |
| Political Representation | Demand for constitutional rights to representation | (Refuted) Implied claim of voluntary rotation of political positions as goodwill |
Other Developments
Reigning champions, Team Delta, have risen to the top of the medals table at the ongoing 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Additionally, former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South South, Emma Ogidi, has stated that the party remains intact in Delta State.
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