N/Delta must not continue to be backward — Osinbajo

The acting President Yemi Osinbajo has said the Niger Delta region needs a new vision to tackle its numerous challenges.

Osinbajo who spoke yesterday at a town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State said the federal government was partnering with all stakeholders in the oil producing communities as well as civil society organisations to bring lasting peace and enduring development to the region.

He regretted that the region was still confronted with environmental problems, asserting that the vicious circle must not continue.

He said, “After the visit of the leadership of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum in November 2016, we decided to offer some of these communities in the Niger Delta a new vision. I have a strong personal affinity for Niger Delta, having spent my youth corps years in the former Bendel State, now Edo and Delta, which is very much an integral part of the zone.

“This has provided me an insight into the potentials and opportunities and the challenges that people in this part of the country face on a daily basis. It was a time that I realized that giving the resources of the area, there is a lot that should be done in a deliberate and determined manner to improve the lives of the Niger Delta people.

“The experience also provided an insight to the dangers of the exploitation of oil and gas resources posed to the environment and lives of the people. This experience I talk about was about 38 years ago. It is therefore extremely discomforting to know that you are still confronted with the very same situation, including the lack of basic amenities in the presence of plenty. This vicious circle cannot continue. We just have to take meaningful steps to bring about peace and prosperity to the Niger Delta. Rivers State is home to many”.

Earlier in his speech, Rivers State Govenor , Nyesom Wike said the state was not in contention with the federal government and was committed to the unity, progress and indivisibility of Nigeria.