Niger Delta Crisis: Jonathan, Okowa Beg Tompolo’s Kinsmen to Give Peace a Chance

Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday pleaded with the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State to give peace a chance for the desired development of the Niger Delta region.

Also, the state  Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa,  told the people of the area that there was need for them to reconcile themselves with the state and the nation for development to take place in an atmosphere of peace.

Both spoke at the official presentation of staff of office to Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom.

The former president Jonathan said there cannot be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of violence and urged the royal father to ensure that peace return to the kingdom.

“I believe there are challenges facing Nigeria, Delta State and Gbaramatu kingdom but we shall overcome those challenges and move forward,” he said.

The former president commended the people of the area for their choice of the traditional ruler and urged them to give all the necessary support to improve and develop the kingdom.

On his part, Okowa stressed the need for the people of the region to have a change of heart and embrace peace, stressing that development can only come to the area if there is peace and the revenue of the country improves.

He disclosed  that the  low revenue accruing to the federal government was also affecting the allocations to the state which in turn make it difficult for his administration to embark on strategic development of the riverine and upland areas.

The King, Oboro Gbaraun II promised to bring even development to all parts of the kingdom and pleaded with the federal and Delta State governments to concentrate more efforts in the development of the kingdom.

“We shall do what is necessary to attract development to the kingdom. We shall interact with all Ijaw kingdoms as well as other ethnic groups including Itsekiris, Urhobos, Isokos and others to ensure there is peace in the kingdom,” he added.

The royal fathers warned his subjects to desist fro all vices that will bring their names into disrepute and urged them to always think of how to development their various communities in the kingdom.