Delta now peaceful - Uduaghan

Sylvester Idowu, Warri - 25.02.2008

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has said peace and ethnic harmony now prevailed in the state and urged investors to take advantage of the development to invest.

The governor, who stated this on Friday in Asaba while playing host to the outgoing commander of the military outfit, the Joint Task Force (JTF), Major-General Lawrence Ngubane, and the in-coming commander, Brigadier General Nanven Rimtip, said he was happy all ethnic groups in the state now lived in peace and harmony.

He commended the JTF for checking criminal activities along the waterways as well as the rendering of medical assistance to residents of the state.

Dr. Uduaghan appealed to the military outfit to partner with the state government in attracting investors and for army engineers to assist in the construction of emergency bridges, especially in the creeks.

The governor called on the JTF not to relent in promoting peace and security in the Niger Delta.

Governor Uduaghan commended the outgoing commander for handling his assignment in a professional manner.

He congratulated General Ngubane on his promotion and new posting to the National Defence College, Abuja, as deputy commandant and director of studies.

Ngubane explained that the visit was to inform the governor of his new posting and to introduce the new commander of the task force.

He commended the governor for his peace initiatives among ethnic groups in the state, a development which he said took the governor to the creeks most times to nip in the bud, threat to peace and security.

General Ngubane paid tribute to the governor for setting up the state waterway security outfit, noting that the governor’s efforts contributed to the success recorded by the JTF.

While thanking the people of the state for their support for him, the outgoing commander called for continued support for the military outfit.

The new commander of the JTF, General Rimtip, commended the outgoing commander for his achievements.

He said every effort should be made to bring peace and stability to the Niger Delta as peace would ensure demilitarisation of the region.

Rimtip expressed confidence that Governor Uduaghan’s efforts would bring about peace and development in the state.