N’Delta Summit’ll Address Region’s Devt, Says VP
From Juliana Taiwo in Abuja , 06.18.2008
Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan has again assured that the proposed Niger Delta summit is not going to be business as usual. He maintained that it would give firm commitment to the development needs of the region.
He stated this yesterday while addressing a delegation of members of the River State Truth and Reconciliation Commission led by Justice Kayode Eso, in his office at State House, Abuja .
“The Niger Delta Summit will achieve clear results. President Umar Yar’Adua is totally committed to bringing lasting peace to the region, hence there will be a commitment on the part of the Federal Government and all recommendations at the Summit will be carried out to the letter", he said.
Jonathan assured on the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of those who sought to testify before the Commission. He also pledged amnesty for those who as part of seeming agitation may have fallen foul of the law but are now willing to make amends.
He commended Governor Rotimi Amaechi for setting up the Commission, noting that “as a former Speaker in the last administration and now a sitting governor, it must have taken courage to set up this Commission. This shows a great commitment on the part of the Governor to see to the end of the crisis in Rivers State .”
Earlier in his remark, Justice Eso said the Commission moved to Abuja in continuation of its sitting “to take evidence of some of the people who have expressed concerns for their safety.”
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment not to fail the nation in the present assignment. “We have seen signs that they will respond to the Commissions’ efforts, but they also have expressed reservations about their safety.”
He, therefore, called on the Federal Government to support the Rivers State government in its bid to enthrone peaceful coexistence.
