By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
Delta State deputy governor, Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, has embarked on courtesy visits to the traditional rulers of Ughievwen and Ogulagha Kingdoms in Ughelli South and Burutu Local Government Areas respectively, in apparent peace shuttles.
Leaving for Ogulagha Kingdom after a closed door discussion with the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, which hosts the renowned Utorogu Gas Plant, Otuaro who had weeks earlier appealed to communities to shelve threatened shutdown of oil operations, simply told newsmen: “We are on routine visit”
“The Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa-led Delta State Government places high premium on relationship with the leadership and members of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers who are the custodians of the culture and traditions of the people. They are partners in progress being effective in driving our peace and stronger Delta agenda,” he said.
The deputy governor subsequently had a closed door meeting with HRM Capt Joseph Timiyan, the Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom which hosts the multi-billion dollar export terminal amongst several flow stations in the state. Ogulagha Kingdom’s spokesman, Chief William Igere, on Monday despite appeals, insisted that “the threat by Ogulagha Kingdom to shut oil facilities and Forcados export terminal was unstoppable and will cut down daily oil production by one million barrels”.
Recall that in 2016, following economy-crippling bombardment of oil facilities by militants, Otuaro who then and now chairs the Delta State Advocacy Committee Against Vandalism of Oil and Gas Facilities visited monarchs and people of Warri, Egbema, Gbaramatu, Ogulagha and Ogbe-Ijoh/Warri Kingdoms, to seek peace.