PIPELINE VANDALISM: We'll Only Do What Can Make Otuaro Greater - - - Gbaramatu Kingdom Chiefs

From Bulou Kosin

Gbaramatu Traditional Council (GTC) of Chiefs led by Chief Clark Gbenewei, weekend, paid a courtesy call on Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, assuring him they could do only what will make him greater.

High Chief Godspower Gbenekama, who spoke on behalf of the GTC during the visit said Gbaramatu Kingdom was happy at the emergence of Otuaro, their son as Deputy Governor for the first time in their annals, adding that the people could only do what would advance the Okowa-led government where Otuaro is serving as deputy.

In veiled reaction to insinuations from certain quarters that Chiefs of Gbaramatu Kingdom were behind the perpetrators of recent spate of pipelines vandalism in the area, Gbenekama said: "The perpetrators are not of Gbaramatu Kingdom. We condemn the act of pipelines vandalism in totality as it undermines the national and state economy and negatively affects our livelihood".

Gbenekama, who advocated dialogue in resolving issues, said the Gbaramatu leadership was willing and ready to partner with federal, state, local government and relevant agencies to fish out the perpetrators of the criminal acts, found within or outside the area.

"We're with you all the way. We're in solidarity with you. We want you to pass this message to your Principal, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and to President Mohammadu Buhari. We have not at anytime come together to destroy oil infrastructure, let alone when when we have our son, Otuaro, as Deputy Governor and at helm of affairs. We can only do what will make you, Otuaro, greater", Gbenekama posited.

In his response, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Otuaro, appreciated the solidarity visit and avowed commitment of the Ijaw Chiefs to partner with government towards ending the menace of pipelines vandalism. He stressed that the recent vandalism of Shell and Chevron and other facilities was condemnable and unacceptable to the State government.

He informed that government was already implementing policies that will eventually discourage youth from oil infrastructure vandalism just as he advised the youth to leverage on the Delta State government SMART Agenda's programmes for self-employment skills.