WARRI/Nigeria: The Delta State government has reminded Deltans and Nigerians that no effort will be spared in ensuring social harmony and peace in the creeks and oil bearing communities because of the input in the economy of the state and the Nation in general.
The State Deputy Governor Deacon Barr Kingsley Burutu Otuaro stated this in Government House Asaba when he played host to delegates from an international agency under the aegis for (Search for Common Ground) visited him.
Deacon Otuaro said, “a lot of platforms were created by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa upon assumption of office in 2015 to restore peace to the creeks, I as the Chairman of the committee, several visits were made to the troubled areas before peace and stability returned.”
He reaffirmed government’s willingness to continue to work with security agencies and critical stakeholders to stop bunkering and other unpatriotic actions that are inimical to the economy of the nation.
The Deputy Governor also frowned at the activities of some security agencies who in the bid to destroy illegal refineries in the creeks and vessels loading with refined products end up polluting the environment while advocating for the best practice in handling the situation.
He told the people that having gone to the creeks with his team and discovered the large scale devastating effect of petroleum products on the environment, there would soon be an international forum where all stakeholders in the oil industry will meet and discuss the way forward.
Deacon Otuaro added, “I want to commend this body for championing peace in the Niger Delta region r especially oil bearing communities. I want to assure you of government support in peace building and development of the state. ”
He continued that” government was aware of the negative effect of unemployment hence the need for the establishment of several poverty alleviation programmes that has meaningfully engaged thousands of youths rather than allow them be a ready tool in the hand evil men.”
The leader of the team, Mr Borve Paago-Imabel revealed that” the agency is working in over thirty-six countries in the world including Nigeria to restore peace in trouble areas”.
Mr Paago-Imabel said further that’ “we are in Delta State to seek ways of partnering in peace building, and our focus is in Delta, River’s Bayelsa, and North Eastern part of the country.”
He commended the Deputy Governor, Deacon Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro for the role he played in the restoration of peace during the period of pipeline vandalization by militants.
