By Austin Ogwuda
DELTA State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme says that it is troubling that he is being used as a guinea pig over the lingering connection of Ndokwa land with electricity, via the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) that led to recent protests.
Recall that by Saturday this week it would be exactly two months Sir Onyeme promised as deadline to achieve the connection when he appeared on Arise TV at the heat of the protests.
Receiving Utagba-Ogbe Community on a courtesy visit to him at Government House, Asaba on Wednesday, he said, “I am not an enemy of Utagba-Ogbe, Ndokwa or any part of Delta State. I believe that with a peaceful disposition, we will achieve a lot in our locality and entire Delta State.
“I am happy to receive the Chiefs, members of the Okwa age grade and all the youths in my office today, this administration has done so much for our people and all that we need is to support this government.
“We are lucky to have a listening, a tolerant Governor and we will make more progress by supporting this government and avoid any action that will affect the development of our area.
“Our prayer is for peace, unity and development of all parts of Delta State, Ndokwa inclusive.
“The issue of electricity in Ndokwa land is being addressed, the BEDC (Benin Electricity Distribution Company) is already erecting poles to Utagba-Ogbe but it is disheartening that on daily basis, some persons are scheming on how to insult me on social media.
“I am just two years in government, I was not around when the electricity problem started, all that I am doing is to ensure that the area is electrified.
“Electricity is very important to all of us, if I go to the village, I know what I go through because there is no electricity but there is a process for light to get to entire Ndokwa.
“The issue of step down of electricity is being handled by the Federal Government; we have gone far on how to get Ndokwa electrified before we started hearing about light up Ndokwa and peaceful protest.
“What is the interpretation of peaceful protest? The beating of a serving Commissioner? Destruction of not less than four vehicles? Extorting money from motorists or what is the definition of peaceful protest? is it the attack on my person on social media?
“Be patient, there will be electricity in Ndokwa land”, he re-assured again.
