Christopher Odamah
Delta State House of Assembly lawmakers have called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to set up a commission of enquiry to investigate circumstances surrounding the alleged killing of two youths by a naval rating at Ifiekporo, Warri South Local Government Area of the state.
The member representing Uvwie constituency Hon. Efe Ofobruku had moved the motion to set up the commission of enquiry to bring the culprit to book. The motion was seconded by Hon Dennis Omovie, member representing Warri South Constituency II and was amended by Hon Johnson Erijo, member representing Isoko South Constituency II, adopted by the Whole House.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Ofobruku said that the two youths. One from Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government and the other, Ifiekporo in Warri South Local Government were allegedly killed by a naval rating officer attached to the Warri Refinery and Petrol-Chemical Company (WRPC), Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government.
Hon. Ofobruku stated that according to reports, the two communities had mandated their employment and contract committee to enter into negotiation with the contracting firm handling a project in the area when the trigger happy naval officer opened fire on the youth that led to the death of Mr. Chris Ogbogidi and Mr. Misan Agboro.
While condemning the dastardly act, he said, “It was painful a security personnel who is to protect lives, now take lives of these our harmless youths, urging the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to prevail on the naval authorities to bring to justice the naval ratings.
Hon. Dennis Omovie, Johnson Erijo, Daniel Mayuku, Reuben Izeze, Pat Ajudua, Oboroh Preyor and Samuel Mariere all supported the motion.
The lawmakers said the action of the naval officer was against their right to life as entrenched in Nigeria’s constitution, adding that the State government should set up a judicial panel of enquiry to investigate the killing of the two persons and bring the culprits to book.
They noted that security men carrying arms were increasingly becoming over-zealous with human lives, saying the local content act clearly stipulated that host communities should be giving employment and contracts on projects in their area.
The lawmakers stressed that the state government should take drastic action because the deceased families and those injured are crying for Justice. The motion was unanimously adopted by a voice of vote that was put by the Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
