The leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western zone (Delta, Edo & Ondo State) led by Dr Doubra Collins Okotete has lashed on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, for his continuos fooling of the Burutu people over the deliberate neglect of the Ayokoromo bridge by his administration.
In a statement on Thursday signed Dr Doubra Okotete, Chairman IYC Western Zone, the group berated Okowa for only developing areas of interest to himself, while neglecting others areas, particularly the Ijaws.
“His Excellency has been playing politics with the said project since he inherited the project from the Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan-led government.
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“The Ayokoromo bridge is very key to the over 90 communities in Burutu Local Government Area hence, we have countlessly called on Gov. Okowa to take serious the pains and yearnings of the Burutu people he swore to govern with all sense of modesty.
“While H.E Gov Okowa is busy developing the area he hails from, he has completely abandoned the very key issues affecting the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in Delta State and most painfully turning his eyes away from the Ijaw areas in terms of Education, Transportation, Health and Infrastructural development in our communities.
While commanding the governor for the upward review of the contract sum, the group warned that the funds should not by siphoned to sponsor the forthcoming elections in the state.
“We are aware of the recent upshot of the initial 6Billion Naira awarded to the said project to 10.5 Billion naira and the 15months timeline to ensure the project is completed and commission for use.
“As council, we are note moved to celebrate this upshot as our minds are still reflecting on the years of deceit and neglect of the said project from the state government.
“But wish to commend Ifeanyi Okowa for this great fit and strongly caution that the pronouncement made at the state executive council meeting shouldn’t be politicized as done in the past.
“Politicians from within and outside Burutu LGA as well as the contractor handling the project are also cautioned to be very careful this time around as it won’t be business as usual.
“As council leaders, we are out and fully prepared in ensuring this project is completed within the stipulated period as announced by the state government and we will resist by every means necessary any obstacle that will stand as hindrance towards the completion of this very important project.
“We are also using this medium to remind and appeal to Gov Okowa to release fund, mobilize the contractor and fully kickstart the Ogulagha-Odimodi road project. The Ogulagha-Odimodi road project is too strategic to be left the way it is despite the promises and award of contract by the state government.
“We are gradually running out of patience, our resolve is to support the governor Okowa led administration to finish strong but won’t accommodate deliberate neglect of the developmental issues our people are faced with.”
