The people of Ibaa, under the aegis of Uvuawhua Concerned People’s Assembly, spoke in support to the call by Emohua Council Chairman, Chidi Lloyd on government agency responsible for the award of pipeline surveillance contracts to review the process and ensure that pipeline security jobs are awarded to members of the pipeline-bearing communities, rather than to people from outside.
A member of the group, who read out their position, called on the multinational operating in the area to consider indigenes of pipeline-bearing communities over politicians so as to forestall a reoccurrence of the tragedy that claimed several lives.
They also questioned why someone from Ibaa cannot be made the contractor for pipeline surveillance, or given scholarships like other oil-rich communities, while complaining of neglect and marginalisation in areas of infrastructural development, human capacity building, and other basic social amenities.
The aggrieved Ibaa group stressed the negative impact of unemployment on the people, insisting that awarding the surveillance contract to an indigene from the community will reduce crime
It would interest you to know that over thirty persons lost their lives in a fire outbreak on the site of illegally refined oil products which several individuals and authorities have blamed on indiscriminate awarding of pipeline surveillance contract.
In another development, a group of persons are proffering ways of sustaining the peace and security currently being experienced in Ibaa.
Reports available reveal that for over a decade, Ibaa had suffered cult violence and other forms of insecurity which resulted to the loss of lives and property in the area.
But the Head College of Administration of Ibaa Connect, Doctor Bigman Nwabueze, who spoke to Today FM after a forum in Port Harcourt, disclosed plans to use a program called Ibaa Konnect to address issues that have affected the community and to sensitize the people on the need to remain peaceful and sustain the existing peace in the area.
Nwabueze, also revealed plans to facilitate amnesty for genuine Ibaa sons and daughters for the sake of peace and development.
On their part, Doctor Azubuike Okeh, who is the Chairman of Ibaa Peace Walk, and the Alternate Chairman, Osobi Wejinya, said the event is aimed at charging every son and daughter of Ibaa that the responsibility of enthroning lasting peace and security in the area is everyone’s business.
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