The leadership of the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has commended the President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof Benjamin Ukaba, and his team for their efforts in restoring peace amongst aggrieved leaders from the Ijawnation.
The group also lauded INC for restoring peace amongst the Ijaws from Rivers extraction who had expressed misgivings over what they described as inequitable award of the surveillance contracts.
The socio-cultural group, in a statement signed by Acting Chairman, Eastern Zone, Prince Marley; and Acting Zonal Secretary, Comrade Godwin Opiuyo; lauded High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemopolo aka Tompolo for engaging community leaders from Rivers State where he operates his surveillance contracts.
MOSIEND, which described the peace move as a step in the right direction, thanked Ijaw leaders from Rivers State for their maturity, understanding in resolving their difference.
The group also hailed Ijaw leaders in the state for their maturity in collaborating with Tompolo in ensuring that the security and pipeline contracts in Rivers communities were carried out without hitches.
“These actions will help a great deal in protecting our communities, help in eradicating the black soot and other illnesses resulting from illegal bunkering activities”, MOSIEND said.
“We are appealing that those who are managing the positions meant for the communities to resist the temptation of short-changing them and play according to the rules”.
MOSIEND further warned that political consideration should not guide their actions but equity, justice and fairness.
The group, which decried poverty and hunger in Ijaw communities said, the contracts would go along way in empowering the unemployed youths from the area and bring succour to their lives.
“There is huge poverty in our communities, and such an opportunity will go a long way in engaging a handful of our unemployed brothers, hence bringing relief to all”, the statement added.

By: Chinedu Wosu