Gbaramatu to FG: Don’t celebrate peace, rise in oil production yet, attend to Niger Delta problems

Ijaws of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, have urged the Federal Government to not only celebrate the relative peace and high crude oil production, but attend to challenges facing the Niger Delta region.

This is just as the people have averred that the ultimate solution to the myriad of problems of Nigeria is to restructure the country.

Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, Aketekpe Agadagba re-echoed the solution on behalf of his people at the commemoration of his one-year coronation anniversary on Wednesday at Oporoza, headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Pere, who thanked God for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari from medical tourism, restructuring was feasible if the resolutions at the 2014 National Conference was implemented.

The first class monarch lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for reposing confidence in Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to lead the peace process in the Niger Delta.

He however encouraged the president to fast-track the process by implementing the short and medium term goals, as well as draw plans to develop the region.

“It is obvious that the problems of Nigeria is a foundational one, and the only solution to such a problem is to work on the foundation, which is basically restructuring of the country.”

“This will enable the various zones and regions to judiciously harness the numerous resources God has blessed the nation with, which will guarantee peace, justice and development,” he noted.

Acting secretary of Gbaramatu kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama, meanwhile urged the Ijaws to continue to keep the peace. Adding “we’re peaceful people and we’ll continue to demonstrate to the world that we’re peaceful people.”

Although the commemoration was low-keyed, several dignitaries from all walks of life, such as Bishop Felix Finiki of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), were in attendance.

Highlights of the occasion were traditional sports’ display and masquerade and cultural performances from different age grades and various communities that make up the Gbaramatu kingdom.