01 May 2016, Asaba – Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro has assured that the state government was keeping faith with its electioneering campaign promises towards creating prosperity and hence dissuading pipeline vandalism in the state.
Otuaro, who stood in for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, gave the assurance during a courtesy call by the Minister of State, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Prof. Claudius Omoleye Daramola, who was in the state to carry out an audit of projects embarked upon by his ministry.
Prof. Daramola, in his speech, expressed concern that despite its contributions in the struggle for justice for the Niger Delta, leading to establishment of the Ministry of Niger Delta following amnesty declaration in 2009, project completion, despite available funds, was a challenge in Delta State.
Advancing reasons for the scenario, the Minister listed the non-involvement of the people concerned in project conceptualization, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and other vices.
He hinted of a policy shift to henceforth involve the people in project identification and execution in what he held out as President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to develop the region.
Appealing to Niger Deltans to collaborate with the ideals of the Niger Delta Ministry, the Minister said Delta State had 40 projects that are on-going, including land reclamation, shoreline protection, stating that more skills acquisition projects were under way.
He requested for land for building an office for the Niger Delta Ministry to keep a close tab on its projects in the state.
- Vanguard
