By Ebi Perekeme
Again, the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Itsekiri and Urhobo bodies to embrace peaceful dialogue.
Okowa also stated that the constant disagreements and threats across the region had chased away companies and some of the projects they are demanding for now.
The governor’s advice is coming against the backdrop of the communities’ threats to shut down oil operations over their exclusion in the Federal Government recently announced bid for marginal oil fields in their areas.
GbaramatuVoice gathered that the communities hinged their demand partly on the Nigerian local content act.
However, while addressing newsmen in Warri, Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, who represented the Okowa, sued for peace.
He stated that the people’s demands, including the twin projects of Ogidigben Gas Revolution Industrial Park/Gbaramatu Deep Sea Port, Omadino-Escravos Road and taking the diverted Modular Floating Dockyard to its original Okerenkoko location, Koko/Ogheye Road, etc, were legitimate demands
In his words: “Last week, I called on our aggrieved oil producing communities to realise that results-oriented dialogue is a process, a painstaking process, not an event.
The Federal Government has reached out to the Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa-led Delta State Government.
“As a responsible state government, we have already resuscitated links with the Federal Government. I want to appeal to you to be patient. We will reach you soon. Disagreements and threats had chased away companies and some of the projects we are now demanding for. Please keep the unity and peace.
“With coming on stream of key demands such as commencement of Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and Federal Government approval of Escravos and Environs NNPC Power project that will benefit about 50 Ijaw/Itsekiri communities in the area, we have reason to be positive that dialogue and patience will bring more results on the demands”
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