AIRHIAVBERE WEEPS OVER PLIGHT OF IJAW IN EDO

By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
BENIN-GOVERNORSHIP candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the July 14 governorship election in Edo State, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), broke down in tears, yesterday, over the plight of the Ijaw living in the riverine areas of the state, describing the abject poverty and neglect of the people by government as 'unacceptable.'

Airhiavbere, who was accompanied by other PDP chieftains, including Senetor Rowland Owie, Mr. Christopher Adesotu, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, Mr. Eghe Tesorae, to Ajakurama in Ofunama ward of Ovia South-West Local Government Area of the state, attributed the poverty in the area to the failure of leadership in the state.

The PDP governorship candidate, was received by the Ijaw, with various placards with inscriptions,  such as  'There is no government presence in Ajakurama,' 'Oshiomhole has failed us,' 'We have no water, no health centre, no school, no road, among others.'

Speaking on behalf of the Ijaws of Ofunama ward, Mr. Soweibibor Kimbor, said the incumbent government  had failed to fulfill promises made to them, lamenting that till date, the Ijaw people in the state do not have access to potable water, health care service, schools among others.

Airhiavbere, meanwhile, said the provision of basic amenities by governments all over the world was not subject to request but a statutory duty of every responsible government.