Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaraun II (right) & John Bray
The United States of America, USA, Consular General to Nigeria, John Bray says they visited Gbaramatu community in Warri South-West and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli so as to promote peaceful coexistence among oil bearing communities as well as multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta.
The US Consular General, John Bray gave the explanation Tuesday January 31 at the Palace of the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area during a fact finding tour of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Mr. John Bray said they have engaged the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governments, Local Government Councils, Traditional Rulers, Civil Societies and other critical stakeholders on how to foster peace and attract sustainable development to the region.
He explained that they came to see things for themselves and learn about true situation in the Niger Delta in a bid to compare with what they have been hearing about the region.
while noting that the tour of some communities within the region will strengthen the tie between the USA and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the US Consular General who was accompanied by the USAID Director, Peace and Democratic Governance Office, Blair King, Political and Economic Chief, Tom Hines, Political Officer, Maria Davy Denko and Security Officer, Paul Biba, sued for sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
Our Senior Correspondent reports that the traditional ruler of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Pere Williams Naira Seigha Ogoba, Oboro Gbaraun II described High Chief Government Ekpemupolo otherwise known as Tompolo as a hero, saying he has done a lot for Gbaramatu people and the entire Niger Delta region in terms of physical development.
He mentioned Tompolo’s contribution towards the development of Niger Delta to include the establishment of Nigeria Maritime University, NMU, Deep Sea Port, Ship and Duck Yard and the Gas Revolution Industrial Project, GRIP.
The Gbaramatu Monarch, whose speech was read by Chief Clark Gbenewei, told US delegation that the Gbaramatu people are totally against militarization of their area, just as he accused the Federal Government of using military to lay siege against his subjects.
From left: Chief Clark Gbenewei, USA Consular General, John Bray & Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaraun II
He appealed to the American Government to prevail on the Federal Government to address the various issues and challenges affecting the area in order for sustainable peace and development to be achieved.
According to the Monarch, the panacea for sustainable peace include immediate take off of NMU, completion of abandoned road projects in Gbaramatu, completion of abandoned projects in the area and the 16-point demand of PANDEF.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kokodiagbene Community in Gbaramatu, Comrade Sheriff Mulade described Gbaramatu as the best place for the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University base due to “its strategic location to the Niger Delta”.
Comrade Mulade, an environmentalist, stated that the community produces more than 300,000 barrel of crude oil per day and has more than 100 oil wells, but “the oil companies operating in the area as well as Federal and State Governments have neglected the community to the shadow of itself”.
While noting that Kokodiagbene recently won award as the most peaceful oil and gas bearing community in Delta State, Comrade Mulade accused the International Oil Companies, IOC of failing to take concrete steps towards the development of Kokodiagbene.
He appealed to the Federal and Delta State Governments as well as the IOCs operating in Gbaramatu to do the needful by completing abandoned projects in the community such as cottage hospital, water project, completion of shore protection, reclamation and sand filling project awarded by NDDC and the electrification/supply of electricity to Kokodiagbene town through Chevron Flow Station.
L-R: Apostle Monday Torusei, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, John Bray, Warri South-West Local Government Chairman, George Ekpemupolo & others on their way to Kurutie to inspect Nigeria Maritime University temporary site, Kurutie
The Chairman of Kurutie Community, Apostle Monday Torusei opined that if the Maritime University commences academic activities, it will go a long way in eradicating militancy and other challenges confronting the Niger Delta.
John Bray, USAID Director, Blair King, Comrade Sheriff Mulade in-company of Students of Kokodiagbene Secondary & Primary Schools