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President Goodluck Jonathan, Monday, said his decision to postpone the ground-breaking ceremony for the multi-billion Naira Gas industrial Park was not ‘in furtherance of any anti-Itsekiri agenda but to allow for an amicable resolution of the dispute over the location of the park. The proposed Industrial Gas park was postponed by the president following threat by the Ijaw community over the location of the park which did not go down well with the Itsekiri community, who accused the President of acting in solidarity with his Ijaw kinsmen.
“The Project itself was conceived for the benefit of all Nigerians, not just Itsekiris, Ijaws, Urhobos or other Ethnic groups in its immediate environment.
“In terms of employment opportunities, it is projected that the Gas Industrial Revolution Park will ultimately create up to three million jobs for Nigerians in its catchment area and other parts of the country.
“President Jonathan therefore urges all parties to the communal dispute over the location and ownership of the site oif the Gas Industrial Revolution Park to cooperate fully with ongoing efforts by the federal government and Delta state government to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues so that the project can proceed apace for the benefit of local communities, all Nigerians and investors.
“In the greater interest of the nation, President Jonathan expects the respected elders and leaders of the concerned communities to heed the pleas of federal and state government mediators and expeditiously resolve their differences for the good of all and the progress of the country” the president added.
