Media War: Otuaro appeals to Tompolo, Ayirimi to sheath their sword

Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has appealed to Chief Ayirimi Emami and High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo AKA Tompolo to stop their on-going media war over the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta in the interest of the people, saying the duo should devote their enormous energies towards peace building and sustainable development.

Our Correspondent reports that Barr. Otuaro who is also the Chairman of Delta State Advocacy Committee against Oil Facility Vandalism gave the advice yesterday, May 24 at the Government House Annex, Warri, Delta State during a press briefing.

The Deputy Governor opined that the media war is capable of heating up the polity and generating unwarranted bad blood and called on all Deltans to join hands with the committee to find lasting solution to the resurgence of militancy in the State.

He said, “the continued bombing of critical oil facilities is inimical to the national/state economy and hence growth. We cannot continue same because it worsens an already bad economy occasioned by dipping oil prices in the world market’, noting that the 2016 national budget of N6.6trillion is predicated on massive borrowing, taxation and 2.2million bpd production target and expressed wonder whether the expectations of the budget can still be met in the current circumstances.

According to Barr. Otuaro, it is the desire of the State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to deliver on his election promises of prosperity for all as encapsulated in his SMART Agenda and the bombing of crude oil and gas pipelines is currently threatening the agenda.

Barr. Kingsley Otuaro

The Gbaramatu-born Delta Deputy Governor quipped that the actions of the Niger Delta Avengers amounts to shooting themselves on the foot as environmental degradation further endangers the ecosystem and livelihood of the people, just as he opined that continued neglect of the communities by government/oil companies has resulted in underdevelopment or development not commensurate with production output.

While stating that military option/invasion of communities would not aid peaceful resolution of the issue, he said dialogue remain only pathway to peace where ’both communities and government take full responsibility and willfully commit to one another on the best possible way to ensure safety of our national assets as well as enhance development of our communities’.

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