Bayelsa govt to cancel aids for IDPs

The Bayelsa State government has said it would no longer maintain the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons from Peremabiri community.

Peremabiri community is in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state. They became refugees in their own state after the state’s 2015 governorship election crisis in the area.

However, the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, during the weekly meeting with chairmen of the local government councils at the Government House, Yenagoa, described the crisis that left the people as IDPs unnecessary.

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In a statement through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, Ewhrudjakpo said:

“Government should not be held responsible for the welfare of people who are displaced by unnecessary crises and crimes perpetrated by criminals shielded by the communities.”

The deputy governor also hinted of moves to suspend government policy on the management of the IDPs “to promote peace and stability.”

The statement quoted Ewhrudjakpo as further stating that the state would in no long time ask the Southern Ijaw Local Government Council to stop giving relief packages to people displaced from Peremabiri community during the 2015 governorship elections.

The measure, he said was to serve as deterrent and to promote the spirit of resilience and self-reliance which the Ijaw man is known for.

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“Well, for this month, I have asked Southern Ijaw to pay the Peremabiri IDPs. But I don’t think that is what we should continue to do. It is a way of making that community people not to return to their community,” Ewhrudjakpo said.

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