Establish Fed. Min Of Shoreline Protection For Niger Delta, Aguariavwodo Appeals to President Tinubu
The Senior Political Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a Federal Ministry of Shoreline protection to address the perennial issue of flooding ravaging parts of the country especially riverine communities in the Niger Delta.
Senator Aguariavwodo made the call on Monday 14 October 2024 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 PDP in the 25 Local Government Areas.
The SPOLAD 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 gigantic project.
Senator Aguariavwodo said that there are over one hundred communities along the shores of the River Niger that have 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 Aguariavwodo the Federal Government depends on the Niger Delta for it’s sustenance stressing that such a Ministry can incorporate the Ecological Fund from the federation, adding that other communities threatened by river or gully erosion in other parts of Nigeria can also benefit from the new Federal Ministry.
The SPOLAD noted that our economy is 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 can only be tackled if there are more genuine efforts in addressing the problems of the Niger Delta peoples.
Senator Aguariavwodo said that the plea of the people are well articulated and germane, he however appealed to them to be patient with Governor Sheriff emphasizing the total commitment of Governor Oborevwori to the development of the riverine communities in the state even with the establishment of the new Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure promising that “our” pragmatic Governor will increase its political patronage of the people and execute projects that will enhance their social and economic lives.
Earlier, in their respective addresses, he Chairman of Bomadi Council Area, Hon Dagidi Andaye and his Patani counterpart Hon Isaac Aguanah applauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the MORE AGENDA work 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.
Hon Andaye said the council has embarked upon several transformative initiatives that
are aimed at providing basic amenities that will 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 Commender 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 included member representing Patani in the state House of Assembly Hon Engr Emmanuel Sinebe, Barr Funyei Manager Commissioner for Special Duties and the state Commissioner for Youth Barr Thankgod Trakriowei, Hon (Prince) K.P. Penawoa and other top officials of government.
