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As Nigeria celebrates its 59th Independence Anniversary, leaders of the Niger Delta region have been urged to use their various offices and influences for the rights and development of people in the region.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel, gave the charge in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to Daniel who regretted that “oil companies are not living up to expectation”, such companies should help build and promote peace and development in their operational areas.
He charged Niger Delta leaders to see the development of the region as their responsibilities. “It is my advice that you don’t see your office as a means of self empowerment but use it to better the lives of the common man on the street,” he admonished.
Urging Deltans to continue to support the peace and security initiatives of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Daniel said the October 1 celebration should be used to reflect on how to deepen peace and justice in Delta State to aid the governor’s quest to attract more investors to the state.
He said: “It is worthy of note that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s empowerment programme and SMART agenda is paying off, as they have put smiles on the faces of many Deltans. As Deltans, we have every reason to be grateful to Governor Okowa as he is among the most democratic governors in the country. He is a detribalised governor, peace loving, unbiased, and not sentimental. He has a passionate love for the development of our dear state.
“Delta State belongs to all of us, and security of lives and property should not be left in the hands of government and security agencies alone. We must all join hands to stop any form of insecurity in any part of the state.”
Daniel also appealed to youth in the state to shun violence and social vices for an assured future.