Francis Sadhere
President Goodluck Jonathan has promised Nigerians that he will bring back the Chibok School girls that were kidnapped by Boko Haram, saying that Nigeria was pleased with the International support given by Uk, US, China and others, to help find the girls.
Speaking at Oporoza, Headquarter of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State at the ground breaking ceremonies of NIMASA Shipyard/Dockyard and Nigeria Maritime University, the President said well meaning Nigerians must join forces with the Federal Government in the search for the missing girls.
President Jonathan suspended all forms of cultural displays lined up for him at the ceremony, saying that this was not the best of times for merrymaking as the country was still in shock over the missing girls.
“Unfortunately because of the mood of the nation where we are worried because of the disappearance of over 200 young girls struggling to improve on their education while some wicked people under different kind of arrangement and philosophy in the name of Boko Haram, went and took the girls away,” President Jonathan said.
The president said that he does not believe that the girls were been sold as been insinuated in some quarters, stressing that no sane person will attempt to keep the girls.
He added that; “The International community is angry with the situation. We are very pleased with the support coming from the United States of America, United Kingdom, the Republic of China and others and with the co-operation we are getting from our neigbhouring countries. We are totally committed to making sure that we get these girls back wherever they kept them. The story that they told us that they have sold the girls is a lie because nobody can buy those girls. The Interpol has told us that they were ready to search the whole world and make sure they get the girls. At least no sane person will attempt to keep those girls.”
The President who commended all those that made the vision of the Maritime University came to reality, just as he urged the people of the Niger Delta region to sustain the peace, saying only peace can bring meaningful development to the region.
President Jonathan lamented that Nigeria as a nation has neglected the maritime industry for a long time, adding that one of the reasons why the school was established was to revive the maritime industry and produce professionals who will revolutionize the industry.
President Jonathan promised that the Federal Government was going to develop all the ports in the country, adding that maritime business was a lucrative business and that development of manpower was key to the success of the maritime industry.
President Jonathan promised the people of the Oporoza that the Federal Government was going to help them in rebuilding the community that was once destroyed by soldiers during the Niger Delta crisis.
He revealed that the Federal Government had budgeted about 15 billion naira to build coastal rail system that will run from Lagos to other parts of the country, stressing that rail system was the only way to checkmate the issue of our bad roads.
On oil theft, President Jonathan appealed to those involved in the act to stop forthwith or the big stick of the law will fall on them.
He said; “We are committed to reducing oil theft to its barest minimum but it is very difficult. We know that the there are people in high places that engage in these acts but we are appealing to them to stop. What these people are doing to our environment is very devastating and they are destroying our environment and the future of our children. No society can develop without planning for the younger generation.”
Also speaking Governor Uduaghan lauded the development strides of President Jonathan, saying he has done so much for Nigerians.
The Governor said; “We have no reason not to support President Jonathan. We must all continue to support him. I want plead with our brothers in the country to support President Jonathan. We want to thank you for this university.”
Governor Uduaghan also commended the efforts of Former Niger Delta Freedom Fighter, Chief Government Ekpemokpolo (alias Tompolo) for his role in bringing development to his community and his people.
Earlier, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, in his welcome address, thanked the President for spreading development to the people of the Niger Delta region, saying that the Maritime University will put the country among the league of major economy in the world.
Senator Umar said the proposed Maritime University project was a welcome initiative by the Federal Government, noting that it shows the President’s resolve to spread development to all parts of the country.
While commending Governor Uduaghan for supporting the University project, Senator Umar also commended the community for their supportive role in bringing the dream to reality.
In his goodwill message, the regent of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRH Oyagha P.T. Heavens who lamented that the Gbaramatu Kingdom had been neglected and marginalized over the years, said the ground breaking ceremonies of NIMASA Shipyard/Dockyard and Nigeria Maritime University by President Jonathan had confirmed his desire to develop the Niger Delta region.
He described the establishment of the University as a dream comes true to the people of Gbaramatu kingdom and first of its kind in Africa, praying that the two major projects should be properly funded for them to start functioning.
He said; “We wish to appreciate and commend our amiable Hon. Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar and the DG, NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Zeghakide Akpobokemi and their respective staff for the support and role they individually and collectively played to ensure the realization of these projects in Gbaramatu Kingdom. We like to appeal to them for their continuous support and co-operation to Mr. President for the continuity of his transformation agenda to continue to move the country forward.”
Also speaking, the Director General, NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Zeghakide Akpobolokemi said incidents of insecurity in the waterways had reduced drastically, just as he revealed that NIMASA had arrested about 245 vessels in the past few years.
Mr. Akpobolokemi said the Shipyard and dockyard were meant to build and maintain vessels, ships and others, adding that the university will motivate training for enhanced productivity in the maritime industry in the country.
