• Obuah lauds gov’s special Ogoni amnesty programme
From Chris Anucha, Port Harcourt
rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has said nobody will be allowed to stop progress of construction work at the Bille/ Bonny Jetty.
Addressing youths near the project site after his inspection visit yesterday, Wike advised them to support and cooperate with the contractors.
He noted that the project is for the overall benefit of the residents of the area and the riverine communities of Bonny Island, Bille and Nembe in neighbouring Bayelsa State.
The governor wondered why youths in the community have refused to be employed by the contractor, preferring to act as stumbling blocks to the smooth execution of the project.
While stating that further efforts will be made to ensure that the youths of the area buy-into the project, Wike noted that if such efforts fail, his administration will take stronger measures to protect the contractor to deliver the project on schedule.
“This project is crucial to our improvement of marine transport to Bonny, Bille and other adjoining riverine communities.
“We are determined to complete the project on schedule. Therefore, we will not tolerate any youth disrupting work at the Bille/Bonny Jetty under construction. We will take measures to protect the contractor to deliver on this projec.”
The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done so far by the contractors and assured them of regular payment for milestones achieved and protection of their workforce.
Rehabilitation of the Bille/Bonny Jetty was conceived by the Wike administration to improve safety and security of marine transport along that route.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Rivers chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Felix Obuah, has praised Wike’s special amnesty programme for cultists and former militants in Ogoni area of the state.
The programme is aimed at putting in check renewed cult activities and militancy which might have led to loss of lives in Ogoni and its environs.
Commending the governor for giving the cultists a second chance, the PDP chairman, who spoke through his media aide, Jerry Needam, described the gesture as a hallmark of good governance and sincere leadership.
He said “the successes so far recorded in many parts of the state, have convinced doubting Thomases, that the governor means well for the people.”
Obuah said there would not have been a special amnesty programme, and spending of extra resources if opposition politicians in the state had not politicised an earlier amnesty programme.
The PDP boss alleged it was the same cultists, used by the opposition to rig the December 10, 2016 legislative re-run elections in Ogoniland that have continued to disturb the peace of the area.
Obuah also blamed those he described as desperate opposition political office seekers in Ogoni for the resurgence of cult activities.
He, however, appealed to Ogoni people and their leaders to prevail on their sons and wards, who are members of cult groups, to take advantage of the new opportunity to surrender their arms and key into governor Wike’s amnesty programme.
Obuah also commended the efforts and contributions of the security agencies in complementing the efforts of the state government by ensuring peace and security in the state.
The party chairman also advised them to consolidate on the relative peace, achieved through the amnesty programme, and urged them not to rest on their oars,.
“The fight against crime must continue for there to be total calm, co-operation and harmony among sheds of opinions. The PDP leadership in the state will continue to preach and tread the path of peace, and promote mutual co-existence in all parts of the state.”