Yar’Adua Pledges New Deal For N’ Delta

Nigeria’s President, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua has promised to release all statutory allocation due to government and people of the Niger Delta region in the country.

In addition, all intervention agencies such as ministry of Niger Delta and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) would be fully supported to perform their statutory duties.

Yar’Adua gave the assurance while speaking in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital during his one-day official visit to the state, yesterday.

President Yar’Adua said the issue of Niger Delta remains a priority in his administration hence the intention to grant amnesty to militants operating in the area was not a fluke.

He noted that development can not take place in an atmosphere of insecurity as the militants are expected to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

Earlier, the state Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva commended the president for approving a lot of development projects for the state such as a branch of central bank and a sea port.

Chief Sylva, who disclosed that he met no structure on assumption of duty as a governor, however, said that he decided to complete projects earlier embarked upon by his predecessors because of their importance to the people.

He said most of the projects which the governors started were redesigned to serve as a tourism attraction, while others such as the peace park, the judiciary building were also redesigned to meet world standard.

Among the dignitaries who graced the reception held for the visiting president were Hon Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State , wife of the Vice President, Patience Jonathan, a former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamiesigha.