NIGER DELTA: OGONILAND HAS RIGHT TO GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE.......Says Nguru Usani

The Honourable Minister in charge of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Pastor Usani Nguru Usani has reiterated the resolve of his Federal Government to address the plight of the region through improvement of infrastructural development.

In a statement signed by Mr. Marshall Gundu, the Minister  Director of Press in the Ministry, the Honourable Minister stressing that the people of Ogoniland have the right to the same social infrastructure as other parts of the country, said;

 

"It is the right of every citizen to benefit from government activities". 

Pastor Usani made this known on Friday in Abuja when a delegation from the Mene Bua TuaTua Gokana Kingdom, led by His Royal Highness (HRH), Mene Ezekiel Gbarabe paid him a visit.

He expressed the gratitude of the Federal Government that the people have adopted a non-violence strategy in advocating for their plight and needs.

This approach, according to him, was an indication of the community’s recognition of the need of peace for any meaningful development to take place in any society adding that government shares in the plight of the Kingdom as well as appreciates its contributions to the economic wellbeing of the Niger Delta region and the country in general. 

He blamed paucity of funds for the Ministry’s inability to do much for the Kingdom, disclosing that he was willing to interface with other agencies, persons and institutions for assistance to the community. 

Spokesperson to the Kingdom, Honourable Lucky Bien, while presenting the speech of His Royal Highness, Mene J.B Kude JP of Gokana Kingdom, Rivers State, expressed appreciation for the various measures put in place, by the present administration, to improve the lot of the Niger Deltans. 

 

He added that more developmental projects needed to be executed in the Niger Delta region stressing that "a kind of leadership that would focus more on the goals of a better society and uphold the vision of creating opportunities in our dear country is needed". 

The traditional ruler asked for assistance in building a "befitting" palace for his office, which is a revered traditional stool in Gokana community. 

He also asked for the construction of internal roads as well as the repair of existing ones.

 

Earlier, the Minister hosted a delegation of concerned citizens of Assah/ Obile/Awarra/Ikwerede communities of Imo state, representatives of Imo state government, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Seplat Oil Company, on community development issues.

 

Pastor Usani advised that for seamless operation in the Niger Delta region, oil companies should reach acceptable agreements with their host communities on corporate social responsibilities to avoid unnecessary rancours that could impede development in the region.

Signed 

Marshall Gundu

Director Press