Protest Looms as IYC Slams Ondo Governor’s Appointments as ‘Prejudiced’ and ‘Lopsided

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Arogbo Clan has strongly condemned the recent appointment of 30 aides by Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, citing a glaring omission of Arogbo-Ijaw indigene from the list.

The group described the appointments as “prejudiced and lopsided,” vowing to take proactive measure if their demands for inclusivity and representation are not met.

In a press release jointly signed by the Clan Chairman, Comr. Toibukumoh Arigidi, Comr Kimi Meshack- Publicity secretary, and Comr. Timibra Oyinba -Secretary, the IYC Arogbo Clan expressed concerns about the lack of representation in the helm of affairs at the state’s executive council, asserting that it erodes trust in the administration and jeopardizes social cohesion.

They emphasized that inclusivity is a practical necessity, bringing diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to governance.

The group warned that if their grievances are not addressed within seven days, they will peacefully occupy the governor’s office, Alagbaka-Akure, to highlight their plight, vowing to fight for their rightful place in the administration and governance of the state.

Their press release read in full:

PRESS RELEASE 

IYC, AROGBO CLAN, CONDEMNS THE RECENT APPOINTMENT OF AIDES BY GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA: DESCRIBES THE APPOINTMENT AS BEING LOPSIDED

1. The apex body of Youths in Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Arogbo Clan, condemns the recent appointment of thirty Aides by the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, as none of the qualified persons feom Arogbo-Ijaw Kingdom made the list.

2. The appointment of these thirty Aides, Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, and other appointments made by Mr. Governor has revealed a glaring omission that cannot go unaddressed. The deliberately skewed exclusion of Arogbo-Ijaw indigenes from these crucial offices is not only a disservice to the Arogbo-Ijaw community but also a direct affront to the principles of inclusivity and equitable representation that are supposed to underpin our democratic system.

3. In a diverse society like ours, it is essential that all communities and stakeholders see themselves reflected in positions of power and influence. The deliberate sidelining of the Arogbo-Ijaw people not only erodes trust in the administration of Mr Governor but also jeopardises the social cohesion necessary for national unity. 

4. Inclusivity in governance is more than a moral obligation; it is a practical necessity. Diverse perspectives bring about more holistic and innovative solutions to the challenges we face as a people. By denying the Arogbo-Ijaw representation, we lose valuable insights and contributions that could enhance policy-making and implementation of projects.

5. Mr. Governor must recognise that the Arogbo-Ijaw community wields the same electoral potency as every other constituent, especially as the November 16 election approaches. The marginalisation of our people is not merely a political miscalculation but a direct affront to our civic rights and collective dignity. As the election draws nearer, it is imperative for Mr. Governor to heed this call for inclusivity. Embracing diversity and ensuring equitable representation will not only strengthen the democratic fabric of our society but also pave the way for a more unified and prosperous future. 

6. Our dissatisfaction stems from decades of unfulfilled promises and hopes dashed. We have been patient, believing in the democratic process and trusting that our elected officials would eventually recognise and address our plight. However, as each election cycle comes and goes, our disenfranchisement deepens, and our frustration grows. The lack of proper and adequate representation in the State government means that our concerns are often sidelined, and policies that could uplift our climes are not prioritised.

7. Our meticulously drafted courtesy letter has languished in the Chief of Staff’s office for over a month without the requisite minuting necessary for us to secure an audience with the Governor. This blatant disregard for our correspondence, which seeks to address pressing issues such as the appointment of an Arogbo-Ijaw person as Chairman of OSOPADEC, the ongoing teachers’ recruitment, and the creation of the LCDA, is both disheartening and unacceptable.

8. Should the governor fails to respond to our letter within the next seven days, we shall be compelled to escalate our grievances. In seven days, if there is no response, we will peacefully occupy the governor’s office to highlight our grievances. This demonstration will be a testament to our collective discontent and will serve to bring our plight to the forefront of public discourse through various media platforms. 

9. We are prepared to stand firm and fight for our rightful place in the administration and governance of our state. The Arogbo-Ijaw community demands nothing less than equitable representation and justice. Inclusivity and representation are not just political buzzwords; they are the cornerstones of a fair and just society.

Signed 

Comr , Toibokumoh ARIGIDI 

Chairman IYC Arogbo clan

Comr ,Timibra OYINBO 

Secretary IYC Arogbo clan

Comr ,Kimi MESHACH

Publicity secretary IYC Arogbo.

30-07-2024.