Activist to Buhari: Focus on Niger Delta development

THE National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has charged President Muhammadu Buhari to stop chasing militants and corrupt politicians, but rather focus on the development of the Niger Delta region.

Comrade Mulade, who is also the chairman of Kokodiagbene community, Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, gave the admonition in his New Year message in Warri.

The environmental activist lamented what he described as the criminal neglect of the Niger Delta region over the years and implored President Buhari to focus on the development of the region in 2017.

“Let President Buhari focus on the overall development of the Niger Delta region in 2017 and minimise chasing ex-militants and perceived corrupt politicians to sustain the relative peace in the area.

“We have observed with total dismay the endless chasing of perceived corrupt political enemies and ex-militants. It is my appeal to the president to focus on the development  of the region to give hope and sense of belonging to the suffering people of the region.

“The focus of the president should be on the rapid development of the oil-rich Niger Delta region in this New Year.

“The administration should limit the chasing of ex-militants and perceived corrupt politicians and come out with the master plan for the development of the region.

“Let us channel energy, time and resources from now on to the development of the region, rather than wasting time on those things that will bring more lamentations to the people,” he said.

Comrade Mulade also urged the president to address the lingering issues surrounding the smooth take-off of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, in Gbaramatu kingdom.

He said everything should be done by the president for the full commencement of academic activities in the university.