Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State condemns blowing up of pipeline

 Governor Ezenwo Wike says Niger Delta states will work with the federal government and security agencies to stop the sabotage of pipelines by militants 

 Says all those who have issues of any kind should embrace dialogue as violence will not lead to the solution of the challenges in the area

Governor Ezenwo Wike of Rivers state has  condemned the  blowing up  of pipelines in the Niger Delta by militants,  saying that it is  not in the interest of the region as it negatively affects the revenue that accrue to the states for development.

He said the states of the Niger Delta will work with the federal government and security  agencies to stop the bombing of pipelines by militants.

In an interview with  German  Television,  ARD in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Wike said: “Blowing up  pipelines will further decrease our revenue, which affect payment  of salaries and development projects. 

“Blowing up pipelines  will not solve any of our development  challenges.  As a servant  of the people, I know that there is no need for insecurity.  I will never support  those who claim  to be responsible for pipelines vandalism.”

He said that all those who have issues of any kind should embrace dialogue as violence will not lead to the solution of the challenges in the area.

While noting that the revenue of the state has dwindled, he said that his administration has judiciously used scarce resources to develop the state and earn the trust of the people.

He said:”We have had dramatic total  transformation of roads in the  state. We are in the process  of  rehabilitating  and equipping  general  hospitals  in the three senatorial  zones, setting up boarding  schools and developing  our security  infrastructure  for further development.”

He said if previous administrations  had used funds judiciously, the development  challenges being faced in the state would have been reduced.

Commenting on the Bodo clean up, the governor said it should  be  sustained in the interest of the future of the people and their health.

He said that the Rivers state government is in support of  Shell Development Paying compensation to the people of Bodo over the negative  impact of  oil spills.

The governor also revealed that in the next few weeks, he will flag off the dualization  of the Saakpenwa-Bori road to serve Ogoni communities.

Meanwhile, the tension in the Niger Delta region has heightened following threats by new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to frustrate the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group has also declared it readiness to create a Sovereign State of Niger Delta for its people come October 2016.