Stakeholders move to check criminal activities in Delta

Government threatens to blacklist non-performing contractors

The Delta State government rose from its emergency security meeting at the weekend with a firm decision to wage a full scale war against all forms of criminalities.

This followed an upsurge in crimes chief among which are cultism, kidnapping and child trafficking in recent times across the state.The meeting, which had the State Police Commissioner, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, in attendance resolved that all perpetrators of crimes and their sponsors, would face the full wrath of the law when apprehended.

Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, who told journalists yesterday in Asaba that no effort will be spared in bringing criminals and their sponsors to book, said he spear-headed the crusade of the war against crimes to ensure that Delta residents sleep with their two eyes closed.

He urged stakeholders to seek ways of addressing cult activities and other crimes which had made the state unsafe, adding that the state government had also put measures in place to win the war against all forms of crimes in the state.

He said government would bring those involved in cultism and their sponsors to book. Cult activities thrive in Asaba, Ughelli, Ibusa, Okpanam, Ugbolu and Agbor as top politicians and title holders are alleged to be sponsors of various cult groups.

Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has threatened to blacklist any contractor who executes shoddy jobs on government projects in the state.Okowa said this at Ovwian Aladja at the weekend shortly after inspecting some roads under construction and assured that his administration was committed to executing projects that would stand the test of time.

Some of the roads he inspected before addressing journalists include, Kwale Township Roads, Ozoro/Oleh road, Ughelli/Agbarha road, various roads in Agbarho, Ughelli/Afiesere/Ofuoma road, Ekakpamre/Ekrokpe/Usiefrun road, Ugbomro road between DSC expressway and the Ovwian Aladja road.

He said: “At all the projects inspected, I am satisfied with the level of work done and very surprised at the turn out of Deltans to receive us, which was evident that the projects are people-oriented.”

Those that accompanied the governor on the inspection tour of projects included the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Auguye, Commissioner for Water Resources, Sir. Fidelis Tilije, Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, and their Information counterpart, Mr. Patrick Ukah, among other officials of the state.