Bad Roads: NGO Backs Communities Over Protest

A Non-Governmental
Organisation, known as Rivpeace, has thrown its weight behind the recent peaceful protest staged by youths of Rumuolumeni Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, against companies operating in the area and the government over the deplorable state of its roads.
The group also backed the people of Choba community also in Obio/Akpor local government area, for taking similar steps to register their discontent against perceived marginalisation by Indomie Company for failing to honour the agreement reached with its host community.
President of the organisation, Comrade Success Ekperechu who spoke with The Tide in an interview, said the actions of  both communities in demanding their rights were legitimate, having adopted a civil approach within the ambit of the law.
The President called on multinational companies to live up to their corporate social responsibilities by honouring agreements signed with host communities, noting that such gesture would enhance its community relations policy.
The group which vowed to expose and fight cases of injustice perpetrated against Rivers people, also cautioned youths not to take laws into their hands while demanding their right, but should always adopt the policies of dialogue and negotiations to press home their demands.
The body also called on the Rivers State government to expedite action on the construction of the Rumuolumeni road to alleviate the plight of the road users.
Commenting on the recent discovery of illegal car dump by TIMARIV, the president said the organisation would write the management of  TIMARIV to erect signposts at designated parks to check the unwholesome practice as the body would have no option than to take legal action against the traffic management organisation.
He further hinted that the Ministry of Transport would soon be notified of the development.

Taneh Beemene

Mrs Daniel-Kalio Blessing, GM Business Development RSSDA (left) chating with Mr Kalada Apiaf during the 29th annual general meeting of Manufacturer Assoication of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, recently