Jonathan raises hope on return of firms to Niger Delta

VICE President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday reaffirmed that industrial activities which have eluded the Niger Delta following the relocation of most firms to other parts of the country, would soon be over once the stakeholders accept the on-going peace efforts in the region.

But the Vice President frowned at the kidnappings and the hostage-taking now prevalent in the region, saying they remain impediments to the rapid development of the region.

He thereafter urged the youths in the region to shun such practices and embrace the path of peace.

Jonathan assured that the full weight of the Federal Government would be deployed to ensure that peace, a major element necessary for development, returns to the Niger Delta in the shortest possible time.

He has also noted that the problems of insecurity that led to a lull in industrial activities, that consequently brought about the relocation of most firms to other parts of the country, would soon be effectively tackled so that business activities could once again start in the region.

Jonathan spoke during the visit of a delegation of Isoko Ethnic Nationality, led by Chief James Otobo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of his continued efforts to interface with the Niger Delta ethnic nationalities to find a lasting solution to the lingering crisis in the region.

According to the Vice President, “the basic problem is that the Niger Delta is being threatened in several ways. Most of the companies are moving away and because of the difficult terrain, development is difficult, but we believe that the problem can be solved.

“Presently, we are using the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) master-plan. But we feel that that is not enough. We want to draw up a blueprint not for government, but for the country. To do that, we feel that the people themselves ought to be part of the solution. That is why we are having consultation with all ethnic nationalities.”

While assuring that a large summit on the Niger Delta would be organised by government in the first week of November, in which all ethnic nationalities would be invited, Jonathan expressed optimism that the parley would surely be a success.

Earlier, Otobo said they were in the State House to congratulate President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on his recent electoral success and to proffer solutions to the problems in the region.

Prof. Abednego Ekoko who read the position paper of the delegation, traced the history of the Isoko nationality and noted that exploration of crude oil, which dated back to six decades, had affected negatively the traditional occupation of the people. This, he said, include fishing and farming, adding that despite this, succeeding Federal Governments had over the years marginalised the people of Isoko land.

He therefore requested for a new deal for the Isoko people by asking for the following: The provision of two additional local council headquarters, the appointment of a minister or an ambassador from Isoko land. Others are the appointment of an Isoko person as the chairman of a federal board, the rehabilitation of Ughelli-Asaba Road and the setting up of a tertiary institution in the area.

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