Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo Progressive Indigenous Association (EPIA), also known as Edo Indigenous Movement worldwide has called on the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, to ensure equal distribution of infrastructure, appointments and projects across the three senatorial districts of the state to avoid disaffection.
President of EPIA- Chief Dr Omogiade Enoyiogiere Edokpolo, made the call while answering questions from newsmen in Benin City.
According to him, this will help ensure equal spread of development in the senatorial districts.
“In the previous years, we have seen projects and appointments concentrated in Edo South senatorial district but what we are seeing now is appointments and contracts concentrated in Edo North with less or nothing that shows in Edo South and Edo Central senatorial districts.
“What we are saying is that, there should be a balancing in the distribution of appointments, promotion, infrastructure, etc.
“This will help spread development across the state. However, the resources should be distributed with the oil communities having a higher percentage of the share.
“The state’s natural endowment belongs to the entire state and not to one community, and it’s meant for the development of the state.
“Concentrating development in one district, increases the rate of criminality in the district.
“Therefore, spreading development to other districts can go a long way in reducing criminality in the state”, Edokpolo said.