2 October 2008
Rivers — Rivers State government has commended current efforts of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in the process of restoring law and order in the state, after reviewing the security situation in the state.
Secretary to the State Government, Honourable Magnus Abbe, gave the commendation in a statement made available to THISDAY, saying government's stand "is that the nation and its security apparatus can no longer afford to fold their arms and watch common criminals destroy our treasured heritage."
It has, therefore, appealed once again, to all those living outside the law, to peacefully surrender their arms in their own interest and return to normal life,because there is no alternative to peace
Abbe said government has put in place several programmes for rehabilitation of those affected in the crises, including the most expansive scholarship scheme in the history of the state. "We have also embarked on a massive infrastructural renewal in roads, education, health, power, and a fully funded multi-billion naira micro-credit facility that could be easily accessed by all.
"Close watchers of the security situation in the Niger Delta over the past five years will acknowledge that insecurity has caused great hardship and suffering in the area. In Rivers State, millions of jobs have been lost, social life and amenities such as schools and hospitals have become non-functional in several communities, due to activities of gun-totting criminals. We, therefore, want to state unequivocally, that there can be no alternative to peace and security."
The JTF must be supported by all well meaning citizens of Rivers State , to quickly and effectively restore Law and Order to all nooks and crannies of our dear state. All persons living and doing business in Rivers State must be able to go about without let or hindrance."
The government said further in the statement: "We must all recall that the Niger Delta struggle did not start with our generation. Our fathers before us started the struggle even before the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta. They were visionary enough to keep the struggle alive, and at the same time provide a future for us as their children. The struggle has come a long way.
"Today, the Niger Delta is one of the 7-point agenda of the Yar'Adua administration. It is therefore completely illogical to use the struggle as an excuse to destroy our Communities and the future of our children at this time."
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