…tasks Tinubu to set up forest guard to encourage farming
An elder statesman in the Niger Delta region, High Chief (Dr) Felix Ogbebor, has stated that the ongoing war of words between the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike and the for former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, is not good for the state.
Ogbebor also tasked President Bola Tinubu to forward a bills to the National Assembly on setting up of Forest Guard Force, FGF, in order to bring security and to enable farmers return to their farms in 2025.
The High Chief spoke at Isiokpo Kingdom, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, when he was handed a traditional title, of Eze Enyi Ohna, Alimini Isiokpo, yesterday.
Ogbebor, noted that Odili and Wike have been in good relationship, wondering why the relation would become sour so soon.
He urged Wike and Odili to remain calm in the face of the challenge to ensure peace, urging media to stop make meal out of the situation.
He said: “What we are seeing today between the Minister, Wike and the former governor, Odili, should not be. Wike is a man that has respect. I believe that it is the media that caused more of the problem. I urge media houses to play down on the issues so that there will be peace and development in Rivers State.”
Ogbebor, who noted that the traditional title was special to him, said it is expedient for President Tinubu to prioritize security of farms in 2025, adding that the move would restore the confidence of Nigerians on the administration.
He said if the government passed the bills to establish the Forest Guard, the force would provide security to all the farms in the country and amount to increased food production.
He said: “The President has programmes that will benefit Nigerians. All we are saying is that Nigerians should be a little bit patient. Before, it was as if we didn’t have anything. But now look at the seriousness that people are approaching their farms and other businesses. This way the economy will be stable.
“Let the President send an executive bill to the National Assembly so that Forest Guard Force can come into place. If he can put Forest Guard Force in Place, you will see that many people will return to their farms. Farmers will not be afraid to go to farm.
“The forest Guard Force will take care and provide security in the bushes. People will go back to farm and there will be enough food. Once Forest Guard is in place there will not be attacks, killings and kidnapping of farmers. With that there will be enough food in Nigeria.”
