Barry Osa Agbanigbi
28 August 2008
Lagos — The former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has called on the federal government to set up anti-terrorism and anti - bunkering squad to complement the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force.
He said this yesterday at Asaba, Delta State, at the official unveiling of the state development programme tagged: True face of Delta
He said: "Anti - terrorism and anti-bunkery squad if set up, could help to steam the trend of the activities of these hoodlums who have continued to take laws into their hands.
"It is clear that the Nigerian Police Force lacks the manpower, the equipment and facilities to fight the increasing crime wave in the country.
"The crisis in the Niger Delta is a culmination of long years of neglect of the interests of the people of the region and indifference of the ecological consequences of exploitation of the region's oil and gas resources".
"The primary responsibility of these neglect and indifference lies on our national administration which has over the years not controlled the proceeds of resources of the region but also have allowed the multi-national oil companies to operate in the area in a manner that will not be tolerated in a more environment conscious countries."
The response of this national crisis must begin from a clear understanding that the situation which now exist in the Niger Delta region cannot be resolved through the force of violence.
He affirmed that the desire for the development of Delta state was not only encouraging, but also in consonance with the politics and aspirations of the federal government.
Chief Anyaoku who expressed appreciation to the state Governor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, and the good people of Delta State for the honour and opportunity given him while in the state sued for Unity and peaceful co-existence among the people in order to accelerate the tempo of development of the state.
Anyaoku scribe who was flanked by Professor Sam Oyovbaire, former minister of Information, Air-Commodore Ibrahim Kefas, former military administrator of Delta State, Mr. Oma Djebah, Commissioner for Information also expressed gratitude to newsmen who despite obvious difficulties, ensured effective coverage of the visit.
"I know you must have been pushed aside while trying to take notes or photographs of me."
"I would like to openly invite particularly the Deltans who have reasons to disagree with Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan's style of governance to kindly accept to go into meaningful dialogue with him for the sake of strengthening unity and promotion of peace and democracy."
"We should demonstrate that it is possible to disagree on an issue and still remain united.
He extolled the virtues of Dr. Uduaghan and commended him for his giant strides.
The rapid development process of the state, as being witnessed in the provision of infrastructure and facilities, is one of the gains of democracy and above all, a catalyst for socio - economic development.
The former Military Administrator of the state, Air Commodore Ibrahim Kefas contribution was greeted by tears as he re-counted economic and human loses during the last Warri mayhem.
"We are meeting here today after a traumatic and tragic experience that followed Warri crisis," Kefas said.
He surmised on the need for forgiveness, understanding and mutual, trust from the past and the current administrations and "to all and sundry."
"The last nine years of civilian administration have recorded remarkable development in the state, perhaps the greatest to celebrate today is the re - union of Deltans across the land, Ibrahim Kefas said.
He urged all Deltans to put behind them, the bitterness and acrimony that characterized the state in the past.
Uduaghan in his opening remark, said there were plans by his administrations to revive the programme of poverty alleviation, through reviving the economy, through empowering the producers, through ensuring a fair and equitable prices to particularly agricultural produce.
He said his dream for a better Delta had come through following today's official unveiling of the programme.
Dr. Uduaghan said his administration will translate democracy into practical development. Development was imperative for the government to avoid frustration from setting into the budding polity.
"We believe that when people are properly mobilized and the know their interests, then popular participation becomes easy.
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