By Eseoghene Emuke
The umbrella body for Ijaw youths worldwide, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has urged the new Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege to use his new position to advance the struggle for the liberation and under-development of the Niger Delta region.
IYC said the elevation of Senator Omo-Agege as DSP is a right step towards addressing the pains of the region under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government.
This was contained in a congratulatory statement issued by IYC President, Barr. Eric Omare, on Wednesday, saying that the body is pleased with his new position.
While congratulating Omo-Agege on his well-deserved position, Omare counseled Deputy Senate President not to use his new position to fight perceived political enemies but rather use his new office to attract development to the region.
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide has hailed the election of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of Delta Central as the Deputy President of the National Senate. The IYC regard Senator Omo-Agege’s election as a positive step to integrate the Niger Delta region into the mainstream of decision making in the Buhari’s administration.
“The region has not fared very well under Buhari; hence we consider Omo-Agege’s election as the right step in the right direction.
However, the IYC call on Deputy Senate President Omo-Agege to see his position as an opportunity to advance the struggle of the oppressed people of the Niger Delta region rather than using it to fight supposed political enemies as some key members of the Buhari have been doing.”
The Ijaw youths’ apex body noted that it was their expectation that Omo-Agege’s tenure as Deputy Senate President would be remembered for bring development to the region.
“Senator Omo-Agege must also see himself as a representative of the larger interest of the Niger Delta region as the highest political office holder from the region rather than political party or one section of the region.
“It is our expectation that Senator Omo-Agege’s tenure as Deputy Senate President would be remembered for bring development to the Niger Delta region.”
Omare on the June 12 Democracy celebration, urged President Buhari to use the opportunity to offer Nigerians good governance and better the lot of Nigerians who finding it to cope the harsh economy.
“June 12 celebrations should be an opportunity to advance good governance and democratic practice rather than mere merriment.
“It is the strong view of the IYC that without deepening democratic practices in Nigeria with a view to better the lot of the ordinary Nigerians, then the whole essence of celebrating June 12 is defeated.
“We therefore call on leaders at all levels to reflect on the significance of the June 12 celebrations to good governance and promotion of democracy in Nigeria”, the IYC statement added.
