Hon. Abiante has called for a shift from short-term cash empowerment to sustainable development, economic opportunities and greater political inclusion for the Ogoni people, stressing that genuine empowerment must translate into lasting improvements in the lives of the people.
He made the call on Sunday during an engagement with residents of Yeghe community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he was accompanied by Engr. Kpobari Nnah, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Gokana Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss the development aspirations of Ogoniland and the broader interests of Rivers South East Senatorial District.
Speaking during the interaction, Abiante maintained that the people of Ogoni deserve more than temporary financial assistance, arguing that meaningful empowerment should encompass sustainable economic opportunities, infrastructural development and access to strategic positions in government where decisions affecting their communities are made.
He stressed that political inclusion remains essential to ensuring that the interests of Ogoni communities are adequately represented in government and that the people have a meaningful role in shaping policies and decisions that affect their future.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State, arguing that the development had disrupted the momentum and aspirations of the Rivers State Government to deliver more development initiatives for the people, particularly in Ogoni.
Highlighting his legislative contributions, Abiante referenced bills he had facilitated in pursuit of the development of Rivers South East, emphasising the importance of effective legislative representation in addressing the needs, challenges and aspirations of the people.
The central message of the Yeghe engagement was that the future of Ogoni must be anchored on sustainable development rather than temporary relief measures. Beyond cash handouts, the people need opportunities that promote economic growth, strengthen communities, expand political participation and secure a better future for coming generations.
The engagement further reinforced the call for a development-driven approach to representation, one that prioritises lasting impact, inclusive governance and tangible opportunities for the Ogoni people.
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