President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that the Federal Government will immediately look into the problems of erosion ravaging Auchi, Iruekpen and Queen Ede in Benin City, Edo State with a view to tackling them.

The President made the pledge during  an official visit by Edo State delegation at the State House, Abuja, to condole with him on the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The visit was also to congratulate him on his swearing-in as President and thank him for appointing an eminent Edo son, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe as his Chief of Staff.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who led the delegation assured the President that the delegation cuts across party, the academia, industry, the traditional institution and other sectors of the society.

 “As a people, we want to assure you that although Edo State is led by an AC government, the state, and, indeed Nigeria, is greater than any political party.”

The governor, who used the opportunity to raise the erosion problems ravaging parts of the state, appealed to the Federal Government to help tackle the problem.

In his response, President Jonathan said he was impressed with the calibre of people in the Edo State delegation.

“This is one of the most complete teams I have seen. I am indeed humbled that the Chief Justice himself is here. I am indeed humbled at the calibre of your delegation.”

“I have listened to the Governor on the erosion issue.  We will look into it. Immediately we leave here, I’ll discuss with the Minister of State for Works to see what we can do immediately, the president assured.”

He acknowledged that “erosion issue in Southern Nigeria is a major challenge, especially in Edo State and the South East. We will look at it and will not wish it aside as a political statement.”

Other members of the Edo State delegation were former Governors, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Lucky Igbinedion;  the three Senators representing the state in the National Assembly: Senators Yisa Braimoh, Edo North (PDP);  Odion Ugbesia, Edo Central (PDP) and Ehigie Uzamere, Edo South (PDP). The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof Oshodin, was also in the delegation alongside, Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin, representing the Oba of Benin; Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Otaru of Auchi; three members of the House of Representatives;  Tunde Akogun, Samson Osagie and Patrick Obahiagbon and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Bright Omokhodion.

The delegation also included the Chief Judge of the State,  Hon. Justice Cromwell Idahosa;  Chief Tom Ikimi , Chief Ikhide Arumemi-Johnson, Chairman, Arik Air; High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman Daar Communications; Coach Shaibu Amodu, Dr Phillipa Idogu, Rector, Auchi Polytechnic, Captain Hosa Okunbor, Bishop Peter Imasuen and Comrade Peter Esele.

Ben-Ose Ogbemudia, Benin