Ijaw communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to begin work on the $16billion Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and other projects in Escravos and Gbaramatu.
The appeal was contained in an open letter to President Buhari, which was signed by leaders of 11 communities, under the auspices of Gbaramatu Communities Chairmen forun.
They said: “Mr President should commence the construction of the EPZ project, Gas Revolution Industrial Park, Ogidigben (Escravos) and Gbaramatu Deep Sea Port component of the projects.
“The benefits of these projects are enormous as they can absorb the teeming restive youths and further boost economic activities of the communities, Delta State and the federation,” the letter stated.
It was signed by Messrs Demebi Johnbull, James Tangbowei, Sheriff Mulade and Victor Eseimighan, chairmen, Oporoza, Okerenkoko, Kokodiagbene and Benikrukru communities respectively.
They further appealed that the Federal Government should direct multinational oil companies operating in the areas to carry out their corporate social responsibilities to the locals and adopt environmental best policies in their operation.
In the same vein, they asked that communities in the kingdom be linked to the national grid, lamenting that in spite of the kingdom’s huge contribution to the national purse, they have nothing to show over the years.
Furthermore, they urged Federal Government to compel the IOCs to comply with its Local Content Policy and give employment to people from the host communities, stressing, “Our people have been short-changed for too long in the scheme of things.
“Mr President Sir, it will amaze you to note that, in spite of our huge contributions to the economy, Gbaramatu Kingdom is deliberately deprived and neglected, and we urge you to use your good office to connect us to the national grid,” the letter, which was also signed by chairmen of Ikpokpo, Kunukunuma, Azama, Inikorogha, Igboba, Opuwede and Sarabubowei, added.
They also asked the Federal Government to engage traditional institution of the kingdom on issues bodering on peace and development as well as to direct the military high command to respect their traditional institution by returning items allegedly looted during the recent invasion of the kingdom.
Nevertheless, they appealed to the Niger Delta Avengers and other agitating groups to sheathe their swords to engender the peaceful resolution of the logjam, stressing that “no development can be achieved in a rancorous environment.”
To this end, they affirmed their preparedness to cooperate with the Federal Government to bring enduring solution to the incessant pipeline vandalism and insurgency in the kingdom.
“We also assure you of our unalloyed support to ensure that your administration records sterling achievements, anchored on your show of sincerity in dealing with the people and adopt participatory governance in which democracy is rooted to give the people a sense of belonging.”