By Gabriel Enogholase

IJAW communities in riverine Edo state have lamented the abject neglect they have suffered under the outgoing APC administration and requested the creation of Local Government Development Areas to care for their interests.

In an address presented to the Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu campaign team in Gelegelegbene community read by Chief Robinson Ogunkoru, they disclosed that they last tasted government presence under a PDP state government.

“We call for the creation of local government development areas in each of our five clans which will stand as a gap for the development of our areas and to give us a sense of belonging as it is in some other states.

“We are aware that it was the PDP that gave recognition to Ijaw voice in Edo state. Today Ijaw voice is heard in the state broadcasting service both in the radio and television.”

Acknowledging that the Simple Agenda of Pastor Ize-Iyamu was detailed and articulates the many challenges facing Edo state, the Ijaw communities appealed to him to, “adhere strictly to the agenda”, if elected the state governor.

Responding Ize-Iyamu said that as the only state that does not have a PDP governor in the oil-rich South-South, it would be wise for Edo people to return the state to the PDP.