By Odeya Ogbetuo
The Ogulagha Kingdom Political Assembly, a socio-political association, has called on the Delta State Government to extend dividends of democracy to Ogulagha Kingdom.
The Chairman of Ogulagha Kingdom Political Assembly (OKPA) Comrade Joseph Lamienghan told this reporter after their executive meeting at Ogulagha town, Burutu L.G.A of Delta State that Ogulagha and environs have been neglected by successive governments since the creation of the State in 1991 with flimsy excuse(s) that the area has bad terrain because of its coastal environment.
Comrade Lamienghan further said that Ogulagha kingdom lacks social amenities and facilities that will propel the development of the area, stressing that the area still remain largely underdeveloped due to neglect and marginalization.
The OKPA Chairman stated that Ogulagha kingdom is a major crude oil producing area in Delta State but has not benefited commensurate to the quantity of production in terms of amenities, infrastructure, appointment into political office including appointments into the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) among others, stressing that in subsequent appointment, indigenes of Ogulagha should be favourably considered.
He noted that previous governors in the state did nothing to develop Ogulagha, stressing that only Governor Ifeanyi Okowa indicated interest to bring development to the area and urged him to start as soon as possible as the people are yearning for development.
According to him “Delta State 28 years of existence does not benefit Ogulagha kingdom. Most of our communities lack good roads. Apart from the one started at Obotobo I and Obotobo II, Sekebolou, Yokiri which are waiting for phase II and internal link roads. Our communities need hospital, pipe borne water, agricultural/fishing projects. Delta State government should complete the abandoned health centre at Obotobo II Community and introduce solar power system for electricity in some areas in the kingdom”.
He appealed to governor Okowa to improve on the few existing amenities and engage the youths in his skill acquisition programme for self-employment to enable them contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
“From Olorogun Felix Ibru government to Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan time Ogulagha Kingdom has not benefited from those governments except Governor Okowa who listened to our plights and shows interest to bring some amenities to the area and we are encouraging him to expedite action”
Comrade Lamienghan urged Governor Okowa to beware of sycophants but should continue to spread the dividends of democracy to all parts of Delta State.
