The National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Iyorchia Ayu on Wednesday decried the poor living condition in Niger Delta and called for concerted efforts by all Stakeholders to address the challenge.
Ayu made the call while inaugurating the multi-billion Naira Ogheye Floating Market; Odokun Secondary School, 3-km pedestrian road linking Oboghoro to Ogheye-Dimigun.
Ayu noted that poverty rate in the Niger Delta region was on the rise
describing the situation as bizarre, given the volume of wealth it bore and it’s huge contributions to the nation’s economy.
According to him, the people of Niger Delta deserved a better deal for their sacrifices and contributions to the nation’s economic mainstay.
He, however, lauded Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for his outstanding development efforts in the state, especially in the construction of the modern market which would contribute immensely to the growth of commerce in the area.
The PDP Chairman also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had set the country backward for over 50 years, and urged Nigerians to support his party’s mission to rescue and rebuild the nation.
“I thank the people of Delta for the support you have given to us in our journey so far to recover and rebuild Nigeria.
“I am happy to come back to the state for the second time as National Chairman of our great party to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Okowa who, by the grace of God, will become our next Vice-President in a few months.
“I first took note of Okowa’s works as Governor when he built the best State Secretariat in the country and I remember telling him that the nation was taking note of his contributions to the development of his people.
“Some political parties will come to campaign to the people, make all manner of promises to deceive the people into voting for them but when they come into office they don’t fulfill their promises and that’s criminal.
“But the PDP which i was a founding member was formed to work for the people and we are particularly proud of our governors who are hoisting the party’s flag high.
“I am happy that there is continuity in governance here in Delta and the three governors so far, have not disappointed the people of Delta,”he said.
Ayu said Okowa’s outstanding works and contributions to the party earned him the Vice-Presidential ticket.
He, however, described him as a brilliant and articulate man who, had continued to offer greater services to the party and the country.
Other projects inaugurated by the PDP Chairman were a pedestrian bridge crossing Jorojoro creek to Ogheye-Dimigun, all in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta.