By Francis Sadhere
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan CON, has urged the people of Ugborodo community to maintain peace, just as he disclosed that the proposed $16 Billion Export Processing Zone EPZ project located in Ogidigben, Ugborodo, Warri South West local government would commence in few days.
Briefing newsment today at Government House Annex, Warri, on the present happenings in Ugborodo, Governor Uduaghan said the crisis in Ugborodo was under the control of the federal and State governments, adding that Export Processing Zone EPZ project was very important to the federal government, Deltans and indeed Nigerians.
It is believed that the proposed Export Processing Zone EPZ project was responsible for the present crisis in the community even as two factions are claiming leadership of the community fights over superiority and recognition.
The governor further noted that the project was not for the Itsekiri alone which should not have caused any crisis among the people of the community, adding that the project was located in Ugborodo to benefit Deltans and Nigerians.
Uduaghan, also said in an effort to resolve the crisis permanently, there would be a meeting for both factions tomorrow Thursday at Abuja, with the Presidency and security chiefs.
Responding, Governor Uduaghan explained that his interest in the community is for the sustenance of peace and security for the lives of the people and also ensure security for the smooth take –off of the N16billion dollar Gas project at Ogidigben.
He further warned that any person parading as Itsekiri traditional ruler must desist from such as Itsekiri has only one monarch, Olu of Warri.
However, a prominent Itsekiri chief, Mrs. Rita Lori-Ogbebor, at a meeting with the governor yesterday also commended the governor forhis prompt intervention and appealed to the governor and Itsekiri leaders to prevail on both factions to resolve their differences amicably.
Mrs. Lori-Ogbebor who led Itsekiri women to Governor Uduaghan to demand for explanation for the continuous bloody war between youth groups in the community, urged the Governor to explore ways of resolving same.
