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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Former Commissioner for Youths in Bayelsa State, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has described the Maritime University Act newly signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as strategic in deepening the peace in the Niger Delta region.
He also commended the founder of the Tantita Security Services and former freedom fighter, Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo for his visionary leadership in the Niger Delta.
Eradiri, a former Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, said President Tinubu by the singular act had demonstrated that he meant well for the country and called on all stakeholders to support him.
He recalled that he fought for the establishment and recognition of the university when he led the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), noting that the agitation for the institution intensified the conflict in the region and drove oil production as low as 600,000 barrels per day.
Eradiri also recalled that it took former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to douse the tension by approving the take-off of the institution when he was the acting President.
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He lamented that since its take-off the Maritime University could not operate properly because it lacked the instrumentality of law to carry out its academic mandate.
“It is historic to hear that the President has signed the Act. I want to thank the President. The take-off of the institution was one of the hallmarks of my achievements when I was the President of IYC.
“I believe that this gesture by Mr. President will further cement the peace that we are enjoying and increase oil production in the region. It will serve as a morale booster for Niger Delta stakeholders to work for and support the President and ensure his programmes succeed because he truly means well for the Niger Delta.”
On Tompolo, Eradiri said the former militant leader has been very strategic in changing the equation in the region through his support for educational institutions.
“Tompolo is God sent to solve the Ijaw man’s problems. The peace that we are enjoying in the Niger Delta today is a result of the job that Tantita is doing in the region.
“All the young boys hitherto fomenting trouble in the creeks are all engaged by Tompolo. Today there is peace and oil production is increasing. I want to thank Mr. President for believing in him.”
