Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — International oil companies operating in Rivers State have been urged to respect and honour the memorandum of understanding entered with their host communities.
The Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, H.R.M Eze Chike Wodo, gave the charge while receiving members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, in his Palace.
The monarch said insensitivity of activities of oil multinationals on the issue of unemployment, health and the environment was unacceptable and should be addressed with urgency.
He explained that restiveness will automatically ceased when the youths are gainfully engaged, as no one would leave a profitable venture to constitute nuisance by protesting on the streets or barricading companies’ gates.
“Unemployment is an important issue that should not be sweep under the carpet, as far as the economy of Nigeria is concerned, it goes with our diversity in unity.
“The restiveness by youths here and there is because their needs are not met or addressed by the various tiers of government.
“The youths are the leaders of tomorrow. If you dont prepare them at their youthful age, what do you expect from them? So our youths must be engaged.
“If youths are gainfully employed, none of them will come to block road or company’s gates in protest for anything. Restiveness will end.”
