GAND tackles Governor Okowa, says his policy will increase poverty

Boisterous Niger Delta group, Graduates’ Association of Niger Delta, GAND has described policies of Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as “capable of increasing the poverty level of Deltans, rather than prosperity for all propagated by the governor”.

Secretary General of GAND, Comrade Sebastine  Agbefe who spoke to Fresh Angle International in an exclusive chat in Warri stated that the sack of Civil Servants immediately Governor Okowa assumed office on the grounds of irregularities at a time when more Nigerians are living below poverty line “is not only unacceptable and anti people, but illegal considering the fact that due process was followed before the Civil Servants were employed by the Uduaghan administration”.

He averred that the decision by Dr. Okowa to borrow N10 billion while he lamented the debt his administration inherited leaves much to be desired. “How can Governor Okowa go ahead to borrow N10 billion allegedly for the renovation of legislators’ quarters, which are still in good shape and purchase of cars for legislators among other unconvincing reasons, when he is complaining of the huge debt profile he inherited from his predecessor ? GAND is even more worried about the reasons adduced for the borrowing, considering the amount required monthly to service the existing loan”, Comrade Agbefe asserted.

While noting that the graduates’ association is “feeling uneasy” about rumours that the governor plans to shut down Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri, Comrade Agbefe decried the DESOPADEC amendment bill sponsored by Governor Okowa. He expressed strong reservation regarding the bill and opined that it is “an apparent move to undermine and impoverish Itsekiri, Isoko and Ijaw of Delta South who produce the oil wealth of the State to the advantage of Dr. Okowa’s Ika Nation”, stressing that the move will be strongly resisted.

The group also frowned at the introduction of school fees for both primary school pupils and secondary school students  from next term, saying the move speaks of an administration that is insensitive to the sufferings of Deltans, particularly at a  time when the unemployment rate in the state is on the increase.

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