Speaker lauds peaceful disposition of Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta people

The Speaker of Imo House of Assembly, Mr Acho Ihim, has commended indigenes of oil bearing areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Local Government Areas for their peaceful disposition.

Ihim made the commendation when he received leaders of Supreme Council of Oil and Gas Producing Areas led by its Chairman, Chief Goddy Obodo who visited him in Owerri.

He observed that the conduct of indigenes of the two oil council areas in recent months, has encouraged exploration activities by oil prospecting companies doing business in the areas.

“No meaningful development will be recorded within the oil bearing areas and the entire Niger Delta region, if the people are hostile with the companies doing business in their areas.

“I want to commend youths of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta for their exemplary conduct, notwithstanding that Niger Delta youths have been so much into restive activities, those from Imo, have operated with caution.

“I am also happy over the decision of youths from Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta in embracing peace, leading to the end of militancy in Imo as well as voluntary submission of arms and weapons by these youths.

“Imo state government led by Gov. Rochas Okorocha is seriously committed to development of oil bearing council areas of the state and l advise the people from these areas to key into the vision of the state,’’ the Speaker said.

Ihim also appealed to the people to partner the state government to ensure the re-opening of the multi-million Adapalm oil palm plantation located in communities in Ohaji and Agwa areas.

Earlier, Chief Goddy Obodo, chairman of the group, said they were in Ihim’s office to appreciate the leadership of the state assembly for their maturity and pro-masses legislative motions and laws.

He said that the activities of the state assembly had boosted peace and development recorded in the oil bearing areas, especially during the recent visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo.

Obodo called for more understanding between the state and the oil bearing communities and appealed to the speaker to assist in ensuring that projects located in the areas were completed before 2019.