Comrade Umukoro Commends Gov. Oborevwori, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu For Remembering Abraka People

By Daniel Dafe

Rights activist and Urhobo youth leader, Dr. (Comr) Kelly Efemena Umukoro has applauded the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu for remembering the people of Abraka in Ethiope East Loca Government Area of the state.

He spoke to Oasis Magazine in a telephone chat, recently.

Comrade Umukoro described the governor as one that listens, just as he recalled how he and some of his supporters had a closed door meeting with him (Oborevwori) where he presented the issue of bad roads and a few security challenges in Abraka.

His words: “At the end of that discussion, I made some request which covers the Abraka road which I told him that the contractors came to sight but after some time disappeared. I talked about insecurity; I talked about police brutality and extortion on our youths and the governor. I think this is the first time in my life to meet a state governor who is as humble as him. Despite street credibility, the governor stood all through his address. This is a sign of humility which I do not take for granted. I was a critic of the Delta State government in time past. I did several protests against Governor Okowa when he borrowed one hundred and twenty billion naira and people thought I am a youth leader who is against the PDP, but the truth is that when you have somebody who is trying, but is not perfect, what you need to do is to encourage him by appreciating him for the little that he has done to give you more. I told him that I have not criticized his government for the past one year and because he has done some things differently.

“Now, 24 hours after that meeting, I saw that the contractors have been fully mobilized to the road. I was impressed. I was with the engineer this afternoon around Eco bank axis and work is currently going on. When government is responsive to people, it becomes easier for governance to continue. When government becomes responsive, there will be no much criticism or protest because they know that when they speak to the government in dialogue, the government will always do according to what they have planned. So, I want to really appreciate the government of Delta State for keeping his words.

“In that meeting, the governor also promised to talk to security agents to see how extortion and ‘deve’ can come to an end.”

He recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly has passed a law that criminalizes a group of persons in the community to collect ‘deve’ levy.

ALSO READ:  Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Suffer Disappointing Start At 2024 WAFU B U-20 Championship.

He continued: “I am so excited that the three point of our discussion has been fulfilled and I pray to God that the last aspect which is not borrowing money because Delta State is already in total debt from the previous administration.

“So if you are governor, and you have promised to do something for the citizens, loans should be avoided and the governor has promised that he is not going to take any loan this year. So, we really appreciate the governor.”

Furthermore, he also appreciated the daughter of James Ibori, Erhiatake for bringing street lights to Ekrejeta community.

According to him, from 1999 till date, this is the first time that any government from the local government to the presidency are remembering a community called Ekrejeta in Abraka where the House of Reps member in charge of the NDDC has provided street lights.

“You know, I want to really commend the governor and Erhiatake for remembering the once abandoned Abraka kingdom politically. I am excited that our advocacy is bringing result. Sometime, before October last year, I joined other prominent protesters in protests that Abraka needs road and today I am happy that one year after, the same young man who joined others to cry for help, is coming back to say thank you for listening to us.

“Then, many persons said the governor will arrest me. I am happy that one year after, the government has shown us that they are responsive and they are doing what they should do. But they should not end it here. You know Abraka needs more. Abraka needs roads and security.”

“I must commend the House of Representatives Member and the governor for making it possible for Abraka roads to be fixed and then street lights to be placed in the area,” he said.

He urged other politicians to take lead from them by ensuring that they need to do what they need to develop the community.