By Oye Chukwujekwu
Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Tuesday December 6, 2016, took the message of peace to the creaks of the Niger Delta.
They said that peace was a panacea for meaningful development to take place.
According to them, destruction of pipelines in the area has not only affected revenue generated to the federation accounts but, has also, reduced revenue accruable to Delta State.
Both leaders spoke at the presentation of Staff of Office to the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaraun II, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
“We need peace for development to take place, Nigeria is a great nation, no matter what is happening, Nigeria will, Niger Delta will succeed, Gbaramatu Kingdom will succeed,” Jonathan said, while Okowa emphasized that his administration was committed to executing developmental projects in the creeks of the Niger Delta but required peace for such to take place.
The governor, who was excited at the colourful ceremony, which attracted a retinue of political office holders, traditional rulers, captains of industries, including representatives of different countries’ presidents, asserted, “it is time we realize that under a peaceful atmosphere, where everybody lives in peace, we can build a future of trust for our children.
“There is no alternative to partnership, when you are aggrieved, you have reasons to feel bad but, we can carry out our agitations with dialogue; it is time to forgive those who need to be forgiven because, when we do that, it will be easier for us to speak boldly and be heard.”
While congratulating the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom for the peaceful way they chose their king, Governor Okowa said, “We need to pay greater attention to the development of the creeks and the riverine communities.”
Oboro Gbaraun II at the occasion, thanked Governor Okowa for his developmental strides and urged the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom to always uphold their culture.
