‘FG not toying with N-Delta’s well being’

Port Harcourt—The Federal Government has assured that it had the necessary political will and determination to carry out all the promises made for the Niger Delta, saying it was not playing pranks with the well being of the region.

Special Adviser to the President on Parastatals, Statutory Bodies and Inter-governmental Affairs, Mr. Braiye  Ekiye told the press in Port Harcourt last weekend that the problems of the region, which had spanned 50 years, were currently being practically addressed for proper solution.

Ekiye said the visit of President Musa Yar’Adua to Bayelsa last week was “indeed a pragmatic step towards assuring and ensuring fundamental tackling of the problems of the region.

“It is a step towards actualizing all the developmental needs of the people of the region and it clearly shows the seriousness and determination as well as focus of Mr. President in that direction.

“There is also no gainsaying the fact that the administration attaches a very strong interest on the well being of the Niger Delta and for the first time, 50 years of neglect are being thoroughly addressed

“What is more, Mr. President is interested in the holistic development of not just the infrastructure, but also manpower in the area, with an aim towards the upliftment of the living standards of the people”.

Ekiye dismissed the insinuation in some quarters that the president’s statement towards the development of the region was political, adding that  “President Yar’Adua is a man who matches his words with actions.

“I would assure Nigerians and the people of the Niger Delta that Mr President is a very serious person and would act according to what he has promised”.