- Unveils Agenda That Would Make The Oil City Boom Again
Undoubtedly, the not too recent Ijaw, Itsekiri crisis, torn the oil rich city apart as both tribes were at daggers drawn, laid conflicting claim to Warri.
The aftermath of the prolonged tribal rift, left the once boisterous town in ruins. The comradrie which once bind persons, irrespective of ethnic and religious background, habiting in the City had given way for mistrust, as deep seated ethical hatred has become the norm rather than the bane, living the center to fall apart like a pack of card.
Quite unoblivious of that heart rendering ugly past, Deputy Senate President and Delta All Progressive Congress (APC), Ovie Omo-Agege has promised to restore the lost glory of the oil rich city which once served as home to every Nigerian irrespective of difference in tribe and tongue.
Under the proposed plan, Omo-Agege assured residents that irrespective of their ethnic or religious colouration would be equal stakeholders in the Warri project.
His words: “All persons, irrespective of ethnic or religious background as long as they are residents and do business as well as pay taxes to the Delta state government, are equal stakeholders. Therefore, they will enjoy equal priviledges and benefits without discrimination.”
In this regard, Omo-Agege frowned at the reported discrepancies in school fees payment between indigene and non-indigene students in the state owned tertiary institutions, adding that his administration would nip such obnoxious policy in the bud.
In the same way, the Deputy Senate President in a meeting with the muslin community in the state, assured them of equal priviledges as every other residents in the City.
“As far as you are in Delta State, whether you are a Christian or a Muslim, you will pay equal school fees for your children. You are all Deltans. You reside here and pay taxes. So, you are equal stakeholders. You must enjoy equal benefits.
“If there is a job opening both children of Christians and Muslims are free to compete and have equal employment opportunities. They will all be treated equally, no discrimination,” he stated.
In similar vein, the governorship aspirant, disclosed that the same principle of fairness would be applied for intending pilgrims, adding that as the State government sponsors Christians to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, the same gesture would be extended to their Muslims brothers preparing for pilgrimage to Mecca.
As part of his game plan to Check the lingering farmers, herders clash in the state, Omo-Agege disclosed that his administration would not dissipate energy to appoint a Special Adviser from among the two warring groups who will interface between his government and the people.
While pledging to foster a lasting relationship between the muslim community, and farmers, he recalled with nostalgia, how in 2015, the muslim community gave him support, which saw to his election as senator, and described them as valued stakeholders in the State.
“So long as you own a PVC, you have a right to determine how you are governed. You are all here, you reside here, when it is good for us, it is good for you and when it is bad for us, it is bad for you. You should know how the State is governed, where we are and why we are where we are.
I am sure you know that in the past seven and a half years, we have a government that has been led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Speaker Sheriff Oborevwori. They have received over#3.5 trillion. from the federation account and yet, you see the state of our roads, retirees have not been paid and some have died; yet we are the richest State in Nigeria. Something is wrong somewhere.
“Since you chose to leave your various States to come and live in Delta and we have accepted you, you have a right. I am sure the Delta State of your dream is not what you are seeing . That is why I have offered myself to be governor. I have a social contract with all Deltans irrespective of ethnicity and religious leaning,” he said
The Deputy Senate President who promised to attract foreign investors to the state, disclosed that the immediate plan of his administration would be the reactivation of the sea ports in Warri, Koko and Burutu , adding that women, resident in Delta would be granted bank loans for their businesses.
“We will engage the ingenuity of 60 per cent of the State’s population who are youths, and channel their creativity through tech hubs that would ultimately generate revenue for the State. We will invest and improve on our security architecture to ensure peaceful environment for businesses to thrive.
