Former Edo Governor’s Aide Commends Tony Kabaka for Speaking on Ijaw Marginalization, Calls for Peace, Equity and Recognition of Indigenous Rights
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International Ltd
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Edo State on Waterways Security and Surveillance, General Amokachi Peretei, has commended prominent Edo businessman and community leader, Tony Kabaka, for what he described as his courage in speaking the truth regarding the marginalization of the Ijaw people in Edo State.
General Peretei made the remarks while speaking with newsmen from Ukomu Kingdom, amid growing public discussions surrounding the status, rights, and place of the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Edo State.
According to him, Tony Kabaka’s intervention has helped draw renewed attention to concerns that Ijaw leaders and stakeholders have consistently raised over the years. He noted that acknowledging the grievances of the Ijaw people is essential to fostering justice, understanding, unity, and sustainable development in Edo State.
The former governor’s aide appealed to the Edo State Government to give serious attention to the concerns being expressed by Ijaw communities, stressing that good governance demands fairness, inclusiveness, and equal treatment for all ethnic nationalities in the state.
General Peretei specifically called on the government to prioritize infrastructure development in Ijaw communities, many of which continue to face significant challenges relating to roads, healthcare, education, electricity, potable water, and other essential public services.
He also advocated for greater inclusion of qualified Ijaw sons and daughters in governance through appointments into the Edo State Executive Council and other strategic government positions. According to him, equitable representation would promote a sense of belonging and strengthen confidence in government institutions.
The former Senior Special Assistant further emphasized the need to create a level playing field that would enable competent Ijaw politicians to emerge and secure elective positions through democratic processes. He maintained that inclusive political participation remains vital for strengthening democracy and ensuring that all communities have a voice in decisions affecting their future.
General Peretei equally called on the Edo State Government to be fair in its dealings with all tribes in the state, insisting that no ethnic nationality should feel excluded or marginalized. He advocated for the recognition of traditional rulers of all ethnic groups in Edo State, noting that traditional institutions play a crucial role in maintaining peace, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting grassroots development.
Speaking further, he stated that all Ijaw Kingdoms in Edo State are indigenous communities and should be accorded the respect and recognition due to indigenous ethnic nationalities.
According to General Peretei, from the era of the Midwestern Region through Bendel State, the Ijaw people were never referred to as tenants in the land they have historically occupied. He expressed surprise and concern that in present-day Edo State, some persons now describe the Ijaw people as tenants in what he called their God-given ancestral land.
He noted that such narratives are capable of deepening ethnic tensions and undermining the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence that has existed among the people for generations.
General Peretei therefore urged all parties to exercise caution in their utterances and actions, emphasizing that sensitive issues relating to identity, history, and ownership should be approached with responsibility and respect.
He further called for peace and restraint from both Ijaw and Bini youths, urging them to refrain from inflammatory statements, provocative actions, or rhetoric capable of inciting violence or communal conflict.
According to him, while citizens have the constitutional right to express their views, such expressions must be guided by responsibility, mutual respect, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
He appealed to youth leaders, community stakeholders, and opinion moulders from both ethnic nationalities to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation, stressing that peace remains the foundation for meaningful development and harmonious inter-ethnic relations in Edo State.
General Peretei emphasized that addressing the concerns of the Ijaw people should not be seen as a favour but as a demonstration of fairness, justice, equity, and good governance.
He expressed optimism that constructive dialogue, inclusive policies, and sincere government action would help deepen peace, strengthen unity, and promote balanced development among all ethnic nationalities in Edo State.
His remarks add to the growing conversation surrounding political inclusion, indigenous rights, traditional institution recognition, and socio-economic development in Ijaw communities across Edo State.
As public discourse continues, many observers believe that sustained dialogue among government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders will be critical to achieving lasting peace, equity, and inclusive development throughout the state.
Source: Statement by General Amokachi Peretei to newsmen in Ukomu Kingdom.
Report by: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For: Global Egberi Media International Ltd
About the Author
I am profoundly glad to have come across this unity system of the prevailing circumstances between the ijaws and Benin, actually we can coexist without rigor when equal rights of citizenship in the state is put in the place of law to avoid militation and unessary conflict
I am profoundly glad to have come across this unity system of the prevailing circumstances between the ijaws and Benin, actually we can coexist without rigor when equal rights of citizenship in the state is put in the place of law to avoid militation and unessary conflict
I am profoundly glad to have come across this unity system of the prevailing circumstances between the ijaws and Benin, actually we can coexist without rigor when equal rights of citizenship in the state is put in the place of law to avoid militation and unessary conflict