The forum observed that the use of military force in the region has remained counter-productive, as was evident in the response by militants in the recent Cordon and Search operation by the Joint Task Force on the Niger-Delta and urged the Federal Government to order a demilitarization of the area. It, nevertheless, welcomed the declaration of ceasefire by both the militants and the JTF and joined those calling for a return to true federalism in the country.

GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday assured the people of the state of even provision and distribution of infrastructure across communities in the state that would make life worth living.

As part of the ongoing restructuring of justice system in Lagos State, the state government has introduced Saturday as a day of business of the court in every Magisterial district in the state.

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.

Mr. Mofe, who said there was need to re-invigorate their work ethics for it to be beneficial to the entire Itsekiri oil bearing communities that make upn the council disclosed that the council is lagging behind in project execution as there are still 2007/2008 projects that have not been touched and appealed to every member of the council, no matter ones’ status to deliver on every assigned job.