By Victor Ahiuma-young

Ijaw in Delta State have demanded for the creation of Toru-Ibe State with capital in Burutu city to save them from further socio-economic and political marginalisation.

Labour Party candidate for Warri North in Delta State House of Assembly in the April 26 polls, Mr. Adanse Felix, in a statement, appealed to the National Assembly and President Goodluck Jonathan to address the concerns of the Ijaw.

He said: “The call became necessary because of the deliberate marginalisation and oppression of the Ijaw in Delta State, particularly the Egbema and Gbaramatu Ijaw kingdoms in Warri North and Warri South-West local government areas.

“The Ijaw in these areas are treated like third-class citizens in their respective councils. They are not allowed to be voted for by the imperialists who claimed big brothers’ role. Although we can vote for the ‘big-brothers’ to represent the areas in elections, but we are not allowed to be voted for in any capacity to represent the same areas.

“A situation where a certain ethnic group is marginalised, oppressed, deliberately and maliciously schemed out of political governance by a particular system by an orchestrated cabal can only be described as blood-sucking and barbaric.

“Also, the Ijaw communities where the bulk of the oil and gas are coming from, which sustain Delta and other states, have no single developmental projects either from the states or the Federal Government.

“Hence, I lend my voice for the creation of our long-awaited Toru-Ibe State, so that the Ijaw can have a voice of their own and to encourage development. This state is long overdue. If created, it will reduce all forms of tensions and inter-tribal wars between us and our neighbours.

“I am making this call to authorities concerned to put the necessary machinery in place to see that our long dream state is created.”