Governor Wike slams Niger Delta Avengers
– Governor Ezenwo Wike says Niger Delta states will work with the federal government and security agencies to stop the sabotage of pipelines by militants
– Says all those who have issues of any kind should embrace dialogue as violence will not lead to the solution of the challenges in the area
Governor Ezenwo Wike of Rivers state has condemned the blowing up of pipelines in the Niger Delta by militants, saying that it is not in the interest of the region as it negatively affects the revenue that accrue to the states for development.
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He said the states of the Niger Delta will work with the federal government and security agencies to stop the bombing of pipelines by militants.
In an interview with German Television, ARD in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Wike said: “Blowing up pipelines will further decrease our revenue, which affect payment of salaries and development projects.
“Blowing up pipelines will not solve any of our development challenges. As a servant of the people, I know that there is no need for insecurity. I will never support those who claim to be responsible for pipelines vandalism.”
He said that all those who have issues of any kind should embrace dialogue as violence will not lead to the solution of the challenges in the area.
While noting that the revenue of the state has dwindled, he said that his administration has judiciously used scarce resources to develop the state and earn the trust of the people.
READ ALSO: Niger Delta Avengers list owners of oil blocs, issue new threat
He said:”We have had dramatic total transformation of roads in the state. We are in the process of rehabilitating and equipping general hospitals in the three senatorial zones, setting up boarding schools and developing our security infrastructure for further development.”
He said if previous administrations had used funds judiciously, the development challenges being faced in the state would have been reduced.
Commenting on the Bodo clean up, the governor said it should be sustained in the interest of the future of the people and their health.
He said that the Rivers state government is in support of Shell Development Paying compensation to the people of Bodo over the negative impact of oil spills.
The governor also revealed that in the next few weeks, he will flag off the dualization of the Saakpenwa-Bori road to serve Ogoni communities.
Meanwhile, the tension in the Niger Delta region has heightened following threats by new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to frustrate the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The group has also declared it readiness to create a Sovereign State of Niger Delta for its people come October 2016.
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