DAYS OF MILITANCY ARE OVER- AFRICANUS SPEAKS, AS FG GIVES HIM GO AHEAD TO APPREHEND CRIMINALS ON WATER-WAYS

Yenagoa: Ex-warlord Master Africanus Ukparasia was today 4th August 2016, inaugurated as Chairman Bayelsa water-ways security taskforce, an initiative of the Federal Government partnering with Niger Delta states, to curb the uprising of Militancy and sea piracy activities in the Niger Delta, thereby providing an avenue for communities and indigenes of the region to participate and benefit from it's endowed resources.

Read: Master Africanus gives militants last warning.

The Inaugural ceremony was done in close doors at the state Banquet hall, government house, Yenagoa, supervised by the Bayelsa state Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, a representative of the State minister of Petroleum, Ibe Kashikwu, and others.

Immediately after the inauguration, a reception ceremony was held at the residence of Master Africanus Ukparasia, the ceremony featured, wrestling competition, dancing, singing etc.

Read: Days of militancy are over

Family friends and well wishers were all gathered to celebrate the Ex-warlord on his remarkable and outstanding achievement. Leaders of the state from all works of life, including other ex-agitators were also present.

The Chairman Bayelsa state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Timipa Tiwei orunimighe also made himself available to celebrate with a fellow Chieftain, he commended the initiative and expressed appreciation to the governor for considering first the interest all accepting federal Government's decision as they nominated the Ex-warlord for the Job. The Chairman was accompanied by the state secretary, Comrade Daniel marlin, ward chairmen, local government chairmen and other Chieftains.

Master Africanus Ukparasia, popularly called General Africa, also assured the federal and Bayelsa State Governments of adequate security and intelligence gathering along the waterways of Bayelsa State.

Addressing Newsmen in Yenagoa, he gave the assurance. According to General Africa, the era when criminals would take control of the waterways, killing innocent Bayelsans and causing untold hardship to the people, traders, businessmen and women who travel along the creeks to Yenagoa is over.

He gave sterned warning to sea pirates operating in the creeks along the Brass-Nembe and Southern Ijaw Local Government creeks, to desist or face tough times operating in the state.
Africanus restated that with the effective collaboration between the Waterways Security Task Force and the security agencies, pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, and kidnapping would be stamped out in the state.

He also advised the people of the various communities to report any criminal activity or suspicious characters in their areas to the relevant security agencies, but assured that as soon as the Task Force comes into full operation, Bayelsans would be informed on how to contact the Task Force on criminal activities in their areas.

The ex-militant boss further assured President Muhammadu Buhari of his commitment in supporting the federal and Bayelsa State Governments to bring about peace and stability in the Niger Delta region, however called on the federal government to open up the region with roads and bridges to connect the hinterlands to the cities to relieve the people of the difficulties they face in their movement and transportation of goods and services.