The Chairman of Rivers
State Civil Service Commission, Chief Oris Onyiri, has urged ethic organisations in the state to take up the responsibility of assisting security agents to curb criminal activities in their localities.
He said this had become imperative, as no meaningful development could thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, saying that peace and justice were the hallmarks of any progressive and developing society.
Chief Onyiri who was addressing the new executive members of the Egi People’s Assembly (EPA), socio-cultural organisation, a that paid him a courtesy visit in his office, in Port Harcourt, explained that the reason for forming ethnic organisations was to advance a common cause, support government programmes and initiate development projects that could benefit not only their members but the entire ethnic group.
Chief Onyiri who was the immediate past President-General of EPA said the principal reason behind its formation was to advance through infrastructural and human development in Egi land.
He said his administration drew up a 20-year development programme, and commenced work by establishing the implementing institutions, so that subsequent leadership could have a base to start with.
“We made an in-road, we completed Egi development master plan, but at a stage, we were sabotaged  by our development partner, Total and even some of my executive also contributed”, he said.
The former President – General., told the new executives to unite, avoid trivial issues, be weary of betrayers, have trust in their leader, so that they could face the enormous challenges ahead.
While congratulating them for their success during the election, he stressed the need to be magnanimous in victory by incorporating other associations, for greater development of the area.
Earlier, the new President-General of EPA, Apostle Magnus Elemele had said the purpose of the visit was to ask for his blessing, seek advice, and to tap from his wealth of experience not only as a former leader of the  body but also as leading elite from Egi clan.
Apostle Elemele told him that his team has began consulting with Traditional Rulers, Chiefs and Elites from the clan, on the way forward, while the issue of youths restiveness in the area are also been tackled.
He thanked Chief Onyiri and his former executive for leaving behind a  successful organisation which has became a rally point at this,period of challenges for the people.
He promised to carry the banner of unity, progress and development to all conners of Egi communities with berating the confidence and trust reposed on him.