By Francis Sadhere

Ijaw people in Delta State have kicked against plan by the federal government to convert the Navy College in Ibusa , Oshimili North Council of the state to a Navy Maritime University, accusing Governor Ifenayi Okowa of working surreptitiously with the Navy to achieve the purpose.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

They said if the plan was allowed to see the light of the day; it would block the takeoff of the controversial Nigerian Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Warri South West Council of the state.

A prominent community leader, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, who spoke on behalf of the communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, expressed dismay that the state and federal governments were ‘’systematically and politically trying to block the commencement of academic activities’’ at the Okerenkoko specialized varsity.

While accusing successive administration of being bias against the developmental needs of the Ijaw communities, he urged President Muhammadu Buhari to toe a different trail and ensure that ‘’the area that is laying the proverbial golden eggs is developed to give a sense of belonging to the people.”

He insisted that the only path to enduring peace and stability in the region was the commencement of construction works in the Nigerian Maritime University and other federal government projects which have been abandoned for no obvious reason.

Comrade Mulade however, refuted media reports that Ijaw leaders were openly and discreetly backing the ramping Niger Delta Avengers, the group behind the bombings of oil and gas facilities in the region.

‘’It has come to our notice that Governor Okowa is working with the Nigerian Navy to change the Navy Secondary School in Ibusa in Delta North, where he comes from, to a Navy Maritime University. The essence is to block the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko. We perceive that a lot of people are working against the realization of the university.

‘’All the sectors in Nigeria are benefitting from the oil money. And Gbaramatu Kingdom is bringing so much to the national purse. The question is why is the project being blocked? Does it mean that the Ijaw territory cannot host a federal project or institution?

‘’The Ijaws have not been treated fairly by successive administration. Therefore, we are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to commence the construction of the maritime university and set the date for the commencement of academic session.

‘’This is the only way to restore a lasting peace and security in the Niger Delta region. The people request development to make them have a sense of belonging.”