The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Edo State has raised a strong alarm over what it terms the systematic neglect and political sidelining of the Ijaw ethnic group by the state government led by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
A Statement of Displeasure and Marginalisation
In a strongly-worded statement released to journalists in Benin on Tuesday, the leadership of the IYC's Western Zone expressed deep dissatisfaction. The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Nicholas Igrama (Chairman), Barr. Ebi Olowolayemo (Secretary), and Comrade Tare Magbei (Information Officer).
They highlighted the "persistent marginalisation of the Ijaw political class and traditional institutions," coupled with the ongoing abandonment of Ijaw communities across the state. The council pointed out a glaring omission: not a single Ijaw-speaking individual has been appointed to the State Executive Council since Governor Okpebholo assumed office.
Contribution Versus Reward
The IYC reminded the governor that the Ijaw nation mobilised massive support across the five Ijaw clans in Edo State to ensure his victory at the polls. "Our voice was loud, our mobilisation was firm, and our votes counted significantly," the statement read.
However, they lamented that one year later, this support has not been reciprocated. The government has neither appointed an Ijaw indigene nor addressed the critical infrastructure gaps and traditional issues in their areas.
"The Ijaw areas are the bedrock of the state’s oil wealth," the council stated, emphasising that this resource is what qualifies Edo as an oil-producing state and grants it access to the 13% derivation fund. Yet, they see no visible development from this revenue in their communities.
A Call for Equity, Not Entitlement
The youth leaders clarified that their grievance is not born of bitterness or a sense of entitlement. "We state this not out of bitterness or entitlement, but as a call for fairness, equity, and justice," the document emphasised.
They urged Governor Okpebholo to have a urgent rethink on his administration's approach to avoid stirring further agitation in a state where the Ijaw people contribute significantly to the treasury through both natural and human resources.
In Related Government News
In a separate development, the Edo State government has announced a major reform in its civil service. Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa declared that the appointment of Permanent Secretaries will now be strictly based on merit, ending the era of imposition.
Idahosa made this known while presiding over a meeting with Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at the Government House in Benin. He stated that the Okpebholo administration is committed to a professional civil service, discontinuing the past practice of appointing non-career civil servants or consultants as Permanent Secretaries.
"Governor Monday Okpebholo changed this narrative, and many civil servants have been elevated to positions of permanent secretaries," he said, noting that this move aims to boost morale and ensure smooth career progression.
