Subsidy Removal: Provide Succour For Deltans – Ijaw Publishers Tell Oborevwori

By Paul Onye, senior correspondent

Media executives under the auspices of Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) have called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to proffer solutions to cushion the worsening economic situation among Deltans following the subsidy removal.

This is according to a statement signed by Mr Tare Magbei, secretary of the group on Friday.

The group, however, called on Oborevwori to tow the paths of his colleagues in Rivers, Edo, Bayelsa and other states to seek ways to mitigate the negative effects of the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The group added that Delta is financially equipped to provide citizens with means to help deal with the financial burdens on them, particularly those in the coastal areas.

The media CEOs listed transportation and an increase in the minimum wage as areas the government can explore in reducing the negative impacts of the increase in the fuel price.

“In the face of an overbearing rising cost of living occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, the Ijaw Publishers Forum identify the need for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to proffer means to alleviate the effects of the hike in fuel price on Deltans.

“Avenues readily available for Governor Oborevwori to explore include an increase in the minimum wage for civil servants and provision of a public transport system with subsidized pricing.

“Delta is financially viable and capable of replicating the routes taken by the governments of Borno, Bayelsa, Edo, and Rivers, amongst others, and that it should do,” he added.

The Ijaw media practitioners advised the Delta State governor to either prevail on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to improve power supply or maximise the option of generating power for Deltans.

“This will help Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and other businesses with power as an integral part of their service delivery to function optimally,” the group added.