The Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF), a socio-political group from the Egbema Kingdom in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to include Ijaws in his cabinet appointments.
The plea was made in Benin City through a congratulatory message to Governor Okpebholo, jointly signed by Barrister Ebigbagha Baidi (Chairman), Comrade Karina Yoroki (Secretary), and Barrister Ebiterigha Ejemi (Spokesman).
The group stated, “The Ijaws in Edo State have been marginalized for many years despite being bona fide indigenes of the state. The Ijaws are the major economic power as the oil-bearing communities in the state fall under our territories.
“We have endured this deprivation for decades. No Ijaw indigene has occupied any prominent political position in the history of our beloved state. We occupy significant portions of Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. The only prominent political office we have attained is the Vice Chairmanship of Ovia South-West Local Government Council, currently held by Hon. Blessing Pereware.”
The group also urged the governor to ensure Ijaw inclusion in the Edo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (EDSOPADEC).
“Those who lay the golden egg have been deprived of the benefit. The Ijaw communities in Edo State should be carried along in the interest of justice and equity. Critically looking at the oil-producing communities of the state, 90 percent are Ijaw communities, yet members of these communities hold no significant offices in the state nor benefit from EDSOPADEC’s wealth,” they argued.
The group pledged to collaborate with the governor to advance the state’s social, economic, and political development. They urged him to prioritize the riverine communities’ welfare and assured him of their full support in his administration.
