Aguariavwodo to Tinubu: Establish Shore Protection Ministry for Niger Delta
To effectively address the perennial issue of flooding ravaging riverine communities in the Niger Delta, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Federal Ministry of Shoreline protection
The Senior Political Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, made the call on Monday when he visited Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas of the state, in continuation of his tour to interact with political appointees and stalwarts of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.
Senator Aguariavwodo said the call on the Federal Government has become necessary because the Niger Delta Development Commission that is saddled with the responsibility of developing the area cannot fund the project, stressing that it is only the Federal Government that has the capacity and wherewithal to execute such a gigantic project.
Aguariavwodo said that there were over one hundred communities along the shores of the River Niger that had become submerged or are being threatened by the fast-flowing river which is washing the communities away, adding that the situation has led to loss of lives and property in the affected areas thus further impoverishing the people of the Niger Delta.
According to him, the Federal Government depends on the Niger Delta for its sustenance, stressing that such a Ministry could incorporate the Ecological Fund from the federation, adding that other communities threatened by river or gully erosion in other parts of Nigeria could also benefit from the new Federal Ministry.
He further noted that Nigeria’s economy was configured to foster near-absolute dependence on the government, with very few industries in the Niger Delta, pointing out that such economic design breeds hunger and starvation. So, the consequent restiveness in the land could only be tackled if there are more genuine efforts in addressing the problems of the Niger Delta peoples.
Senator Aguariavwodo who said that the plea of the people are well articulated and germane, however appealed to them to be patient with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasizing the total commitment of Governor Oborevwori to the development of the riverine communities in the state with the establishment of the new Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure, promising that “our pragmatic Governor “ will increase political patronage to the people and execute projects that will enhance their social and economic lives.
Earlier, in their respective addresses, the Chairman of Bomadi Council Area, Hon Dagidi Andaye and his Patani counterpart, Hon Isaac Aguanah, applauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the MORE agenda he is implementing across the state.
Hon Andaye especially thanked Governor Oborevwori for his approval of the Bomadi-Orhoro road construction, stressing that the project, on completion, will boost the local economy through its multiplier effect.
Andaye said the council had embarked upon several transformative initiatives that are aimed at providing basic amenities that would improve the quality of life and unlock the potentials of the people of the local government area.
Meanwhile, the people of Patani Council Area in a well enunciated piece, Commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the approval for the construction of the Uduophori Secondary Commercial School Road. They however appealed to the Governor for more political patronage and to award the Patani-Eruwa-Abari road, the Patani-Agoloma Toru-Angiama-Uduophori roads, among others.
The meetings, which were well attended, saw the presence of the member representing Patani in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Sinebe; Barr Funyei Manager, Commissioner for Special Duties and the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr Thankgod Trakriowei, Hon (Prince) K.P. Penawoa and other top officials from the local government.
