By May Lawrence

The Itsekiris in Ikpba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State have denied  any alleged marginalisation of the tribe by the state government saying they have benefited tremendously from projects executed by the state government.

Rising from a meeting held at Ikaye Atar … palace hall in Ologbo, the people wind that those who authored a publication alleging marginalisation of communities in the oil producing area did not have their consent and as such impersonated their leaders.

The six communities, Ajoki, Ajaminogha, Ajatiton, Ikara, Kolokolo and Ologbo said that the publication was misleading, provocative and a misrepresentation of  facts.

According to communique issued after the meeting, the community said that they have benefited tremendously and are still benefitting from project executed by the state government and its services”.

The communities listed some of the projects executed by Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas and Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) to include block of classrooms and NP  Toilets in the six communities.

“The appointment of an indigene of Kolokolo, Barrister Promise Aduni Akpeto, as a member of the board of EDSOPADEC as the Representative of Edo South Senatorial District who is from Kolokolo in Ikpboba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State among others”.

The community said that they would remain eternally grateful to the government of Governor Adams Oshiomhole “for all he is doing”and promised to continually stand ,behind him and support his government.