As part of measures to effectively police its waterways Bayelsa State government, yesterday, presented a total of ten speed boats to the militia groups in the state for surveillance and monitoring activities along the waterways in the state. The 75 horse power engine speed boats, fitted with sophisticated communication gadgets were shared to the leaders of the various camps at the premises of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee known as the �Peace House�.
Vanguard, however, learnt that only seven of the speed boats would be released as part of the first phase while more could be procured.
It was also observed that the leaders of the militia groups signed for their boats with the drivers signing as well.
At the ceremony last Thursday in Yenagoa where the peace pact was signed, the Senator David Brigidi-led Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee had reiterated the Federal Government determination to prosecute its empowerment and the development progra-mmes in the troubled region.
Speaking at the presentation, the chairman of the Bayelsa chapter of the committee, Chief James Jephthah through his media officer, said though the federal and state governments remained committed to their promises, the speed boat was given out to kick-start the process.
The gift he added was to help the militia groups in surveying their domain to forestall criminals from carrying out acts capable of disrupting the peace process in the state.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the 73 battalion of the Joint Military Task Force in Bayelsa State, Lt. Col. Christopher Musa said the military authorities are committed and elated by the recent development that led to the signing of the peace deal between the Federal Government and the militia groups.
According to him, �Whatever is being done by the Federal Government is only showcasing the age long maintenance of law and order in the region and a recognition of the fact that the people of the region and the Federal Government recog-nizes that many people have suffered for too long.�
Governor Timipre Sylva, it would be recalled, had during the signing of the peace treaty between the militia groups and government said with the peace process on track the state in no distant future would transform into an oasis of peace in the Niger Delta.