The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has assured the people of Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja of a fair and peaceful resolution to their ongoing crisis. The governor gave this assurance during a “thank you” visit to Ijaw traditional rulers and political leaders at the Ugborikoko residence of the Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom, Captain (Elder) Joseph Timiyen.
Oborevwori praised the communities for refraining from violence, expressing his admiration that they had ceased hostilities after heeding his advice. He urged the communities to continue maintaining peace and reiterated that his administration would remain impartial in resolving the crisis.
He also took the opportunity to thank the Ijaw ethnic group for their overwhelming support during the 2023 gubernatorial election, which contributed significantly to his electoral success.
“The Ijaws are very peaceful people; they are very loving and kind to me and my administration, and I am grateful to God for all the support that they have been giving to me and my administration”, the Governor said.
“I was here during the election, and you people gathered and prayed for me. I was supposed to return last year after my Supreme Court case, but I wanted to do some things; I was waiting to make sure I was able to award contracts across the Ijaw Nation, and that is what I have done in the last State Executive Council where a lot of projects were approved for the Ijaw Nation”.
Oborevwori expressed his satisfaction with the patience shown by the Ijaw people, saying, “Ijaw people were very patient with me as there was no pressure from them. Everywhere I go, they support me, and there is nothing that I would say that the Ijaw people in my government would not support.”
The governor also commiserated with the Ijaw Nation over the death of their leader, Pa Edwin Clark. “I was there in Kiagbodo two days ago for a condolence visit”, he added.
Regarding the specific requests made by the traditional rulers, the governor assured that the Ayakoromo bridge project was receiving attention and was being funded through Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO). He also confirmed that a model school was being developed in Gbaramatu and that his administration would look into other matters raised by the leaders.
In response, Captain (Elder) Joseph Timiyen, the Chairman of the Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum and Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom, thanked the governor for the visit and reiterated the continued support of the Ijaw people. He requested the posting of more teachers to primary and secondary schools in riverine communities to enhance education in the area.
Other traditional rulers present also appealed for the establishment of tertiary educational institutions in Ijaw areas, the construction of more roads, the completion of the Ayakoromo Bridge, and the restoration of electricity to Isaba Kingdom. They also sought a fair and peaceful resolution of the Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja crisis.
