By Ovasa Ogaga,
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli North, Hon. Barr. Roland Oyibo, has criticized the Urhobo political class for their lack of empathy and support for the Okuama people displaced and residing at the IDP Camp in Ewu-Urhobo, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
The Ughelli North PDP chairmanship aspirant for the July 13 local government poll expressed his disappointment while speaking to journalists at his office in Ughelli. He questioned the indifference of the Delta Central political class towards efforts made by well-meaning Urhobos to bring relief to the Okuama people and support the Delta State Government’s initiatives.
Barr. Oyibo urged the Urhobo political class, bishops, and churches to follow the example set by the Council of Urhobo Traditional Rulers, the UPU leadership, and other Urhobo individuals and groups in the private sector by providing humanitarian support and donating relief materials to the Okuama people.
He stated that politicians should not only be visible when seeking votes during elections but should also connect with their constituents by offering assistance in challenging times like the current situation faced by the Okuama people.
The outspoken lawyer expressed his disapproval of the state of affairs where members of the State House of Assembly, representing Ughelli South, and Urhobo lawmakers in the National Assembly have not supported the Okuama people. He questioned whom they represent.
"I am shocked to hear that the member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing the Ughelli South State Constituency, commissioners from Ughelli South, the council chairman, and other key appointees of the Delta State Governor from Ughelli South have not shown concern for the plight of their people—the same people they approach during election periods to solicit votes," he said.
"What is wrong if political appointees from Ughelli South collectively pool resources to provide relief materials to the people of Okuama to support government efforts? Who are they representing? What could have been more important as the council chairman's first official assignment than an official visit to assess the situation at the camp if they were motivated by service to the people?"
While commending Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for establishing the Okuama IDP Camp at Ewu-Urhobo, Oyibo stressed the importance of mobilizing support and donating relief materials to give the people a sense of belonging and show them they are not alone in their time of trial.
"These people, through no fault of their own and without committing any crime, were displaced from their homes by an unfortunate incident and deserve our empathy and support, not the aloofness displayed by our political and religious leaders from the Urhobo Nation.
"The Urhobo Nation has many prominent bishops, most of whom, particularly those from Ughelli South, have large churches and congregations. They should dedicate a Sunday offering to support the rehabilitation of the Okuama people. The Church is supposed to be a place of charity, so I appeal to our bishops and churches in Urhobo land to rise to the occasion and support good works. This is the essence of Christianity—loving our neighbors.
"I also appeal to all political appointees and elected officials from the Urhobo Nation to show humanity by rallying support and donating relief materials to the Okuama people.
"It's disheartening that our representatives from the Urhobo Nation in the House of Assembly and National Assembly have not shown any concern for the suffering of our Okuama people. This issue transcends political affiliations like PDP, APC, or Labour; it is about humanity. Let us demonstrate our humanity by standing with the Okuama people.
The ten Urhobo House of Assembly members should pool resources and take action. The same goes for all political leaders and appointees. Even those who aspired to lead Delta State from Delta Central in the last governorship elections have not expressed concern or addressed the plight of the Okuama people. They should demonstrate that their intentions for entering public office are to serve the people by extending a helping hand to the Okuama people," he added.
