Osinbajo’s Statement On Niger Delta Has Vindicated Me – Oweilaemi

President, Ijaw Youth Council of Nigeria (IYC), Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi has said that the recent statement by Nigeria Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo on the absence of development in the Niger Delta despite several interventionist programmes of the Federal Government, has vindicated his earlier position on the failure of Ijaw leaders in authority who had failed in attracting development to the region.

Prof. Osinbajo while commissioning series of road projects in Burutu and Warri South-West executed by the Governor Okowa led administration, expressed sadness that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Niger Delta have not met with the yearnings and aspirations of the people in the riverine communities despite the huge funds allocated for the development of the area.

“The NDDC in many respect has not met the expectations of the oil producing states; a lot of money is invested in NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta because, the real reason they were created is to speed up the development of oil-rich communities,” he stated.

Oweilaemi while reacting to this expression of displeasure by the Vice President in Gbaramatu, reiterated that, over the years, there has been constant banters on the issue of Niger Delta that had led to the death of celebrated heros like Isaac Adaka Boro and others who stood and fought for the resources of our Nation.

This led to an improved budgetary allocation in the region, and yet politicians take monies meant for the development of the region for their selfish gains, thereby diverting attention from minor issues such roads, power, healthcare and general welfare of the people, as most communities still lacks accessible road network in the region.

“I want to lend my voice to our leaders, especially politicians to come together and ensure that the Ijaw Nation is better than states who don’t get the required budgetary allocation like us in the country.

“We the Ijaws have not fully utilized the opportunities given to us by the Buhari administration in key agencies of Government to better the lots of the Ijaw Nation and it’s people of which the Vice President has confirmed.

“Our Ijaw Leaders who are opportune to lead, should be committed in the discharge of their duties and make sure that the region gets the required attention for the development of our dear Ijaw land so that we do not become products for a laughing spree.”

The IYC president had in an earlier statement, decried that, Ijaw Nation had been given a huge opportunity to use key government sectors, such as the NDDC, NIMASA and others to better the lots of it’s people but have seen a total breakdown of that process which has further impoverished the people of Niger Delta without meaningful development in the area.