Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has advised the APC Federal Government to treat all geo-political zones of the country with fairness to enhance the unity of the country.
He reiterated his call for the release of funds from the Excess Crude account to tackle critical environmental challenges in the Niger Delta because there will be no excess crude funds without the contributions of the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta.
Governor Wike spoke on Tuesday at the Government House Port Harcourt when he granted audience to the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content.
He said: “There should be balance in the way the Federal Government handles issues affecting different parts of the country.
“We are not saying that the Federal Government should not tackle Boko Haram. But as they tackle Boko Haram with $1billion, they must remember that the environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta is the major security challenge.
“If something happens or there is a crisis in the Niger Delta, there will be no excess crude for anyone to draw from”.
The governor said issues of development and security should not be politicised, because political parties are mere vehicles that convey politicians to desired destinations.
“This country belongs to all of us. We must work to salvage Nigeria. We shall always talk about the interest of Nigeria”, he said.
He commended the Committee on Local Content for their contribution towards ensuring that Shell Plc did not leave Rivers State.
Earlier, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content, Mr Emmanuel Ekon thanked Governor Wike for providing the quality leadership that has revived the nation’s main opposition party.
He said prior to the revival of the PDP, Nigeria was heading for a one-party state.
He said: “Governor Wike by his contributions, provided an alternative for all politicians, even those in the APC”.
The Federal Lawmaker said that the committee members were in the state for a two-day retreat.
He said that the interventions of the Local Content Committee have led to the creation of several jobs for Nigerians. He added that several illegal expatriates have also been deported.
