Barr. Erastus Awortu, newly sworn in Chairman, Andoni LGA, Rivers
From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The newly sworn-in chairman of Andoni local government area in Rivers State, Mr Erastus Awortu has expressed determination to tackle the issue of insecurity in the area.
This as the Council boss has pledged to fast track peace and human capital development as he sets to train youths for maritime jobs.
Awortu made this known at his inuagural reception in Port Harcourt.
Recall that inaugurating the newly elected 23 local council chairmen, the state governor, Nyesom Wike, amongst other demand charged them to prioritize Security and environmental sanitation in their respective areas.
Based on the governor’s charge Awortu said that he would strengthen the committee set up by traditional rulers in pursuance of peace in Andoni with a view of achieving quick and sustainable peace resolution while urging all waring factions to support the peace process.
Awortu said: “The current security situation in our area is quite worrisome, some communities have been internally displaced following consistent cult related crises.
“A lot of our people are currently taking refuge in neighboring local government areas, we must strive to restore peace and ensure that displaced persons are returned to their homes.
“The people responsible for unrest and bad reputation that a once peaceful area now have are all our children and brothers.
“We cannot continue to pretend as if we don’t know them, we cannot continue to tolerate this ungodly torture on innocent citizens which is the reason we must form a united front in our commitment to peace,” he said.
The council boss also disclosed that he has drawn a development program geared towards preparing the youths for gainful employment in the maritime sector.
“I have started exploring employment opportunities in the various oil companies operating on our shores but these companies have complained that our youths lacked requisite skills. On that note, I have decided to train some youths and arm them with necessary manpower in the maritime sector.
“I have had a preliminary discussion with a Maritime Institute where I intend to enroll no fewer than 20 trainees for the 2021/2022 academic session of the institute. We look forward to training no fewer than 20 Vessel Captains in the first two years of our administration,” he said.
On method for selection of beneficiaries for the training, the council boss assured that it will be on merit irrespective of party affiliations as participants shall be exposed to a competitive examination.
As part of efforts to set his agenda for the council rolling, the new council boss announced two key appointments in his cabinet, Mr Dimiari Franklyn as Secretary to the Council and Mr Talik Dandison as the Council’s Chief of Staff.
