You Were Insensitive To The Drowning Of Igbo Traders – Ondo Fishermen Lament, Write Acting Governor

By Ayodele Oni

The National President, Fishermen Association of Nigeria, Igbokoda Ilaje Ondo State, Orioye  Gbayisemore has said, fishing, which is the major occupation of people at the coastal area of the state, has become miserable urging Government to declare a state of emergency on the decay of infrastructure in the marine business.

Besides, he also appealed to the State Government to, as a matter of urgency, make the water way safe for various marine businesses.

Gbayisemore in an open letter to the Acting Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, frowned at alleged Government’s insensitivity to the plights of fishermen in the coastal communities.

He specially condemned the way the Government has failed to react to death of five Igbo traders in a boat mishap in ilaje.

According to him, the Government did not issue any statement on the ugly incident or sympathize with the families of the deceased.

The letter added, “Your Excellency Sir, I write on behalf of the entire fishermen and other marine workers in the riverine community of Ondo state vis a viz ilaje and Ese Odo local government.

“Your Excellency Sir, you will be aware that about three weeks ago about five men drowned as a result of a boat mishap that occurred in Ilaje local government area of Ondo state.

“But to our greatest surprise the Government of Ondo State has kept  deaf ears to this ugly incident without making any statement to sympathize with the families of the deceased.

“Your Excellency, let us bring to your notice that this ugly incident has led to a low patronage from the Igbo traders that come to our locality for business transactions as the government has not provided any Safety measures for water commuters”

Gbayisemore also urged the State Government to give special consideration to the artisanal fishermen for the proposed government palliative and supported with input and financial support.

“The removal of subsidy has worsening the situation of the people living in the riverine communities of ondo state, because it take an average of 200litrs of petrol @ #700 which accumulate to #140,000 to set out for fishing activities, which is the main economic mainstay of the people in the riverine area of Ondo State.

“With the declaration of state of emergency in the food and agriculture sector by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the fishery sector should be considered as a critical sector that provides the cheapest protein source to the common Nigerian and 65% of total consumption rate come from the artisanal fishermen.”