NPA Laments as Communal Crisis Cripples Warri Port
By Francis Ugwoke
Worried about the lingering communal crises in Delta State, which have taken a toll on business activities at Warri Port, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders in the area to do everything to bring an end to the problem.
Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services of the Authority, Mr. Desmond Akawor, who visited the Oroje of Okpe during a familirization tour of Warri port, was of the view that the traditional rulers should prevail on the militant youths in the area to allow peace and security to reign.
In a statement, the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mr. C.A. Borha, Akawor observed that except peace reigns in the area, the potentials of the Delta ports, cannot be fully utilized for the benefit of its catchment area.
The executive director stated that traiditonal rulers through their exalted positions can prevail on their youth and refrain from unwholesome practices that have been perpetrated in the area.
Among practices which he said were inimical to efficient maritime activities, include baricading the waterways and the extortion of money from ship captains.
Commending the Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori for the effort to bring about peace and security in all the ports in the state, Akawo however appealed to the militant youths to have a rethink on the consequences of their actions in the interest of their immediate communities.
The executive director pointed out that the low traffic in Delta ports was as a result of threats and insecurity being perpetuated by the militant youths, to the port users.
This situation, he said, was not doing any good to the people and therefore, stressed the need for them to have a change of attitude.
Akawor argued that the crisis in Warri may scare aware interested private investors to take advantage of the port concessioning programme of the government to invest in the area.
"A lot more is expected from all and sundry to ensure that this port is safe and secure. Our people need to be sensitized on the dangers and consequences of such actions. It is the people that are suffering it and not outsiders. If the port is allowed to function it is the people that would benefit", he said.
Responding, a Palace Secretary to the late Oroje of Okpe, Chief Richard Oniore reaffirmed the determination of the Oroje in Council to check youths restiveness in the area.
Oniore while commending the NPA for always taking the council into confidence on matters concerning the Delta ports, stressed the need for continued cordial relationship between the organisation and all its host communities.
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