East-West Road: More knocks for Jonathan

Former leaders of militant camps in the Niger Delta have expressed disappointment in the inability of the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, to complete work on the East-West Road.
They are of the opinion that Jonathan’s slow action may affect the integrity of the Ijaw people in the future.
In a statement, the ex-militants also expressed shock over the disposition of the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, saying rather than wage a media war against the Rivers State Governor, Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, the minister ought to have concentrated on how to fix the road and help the President to implement his programmes for the country.
The statement was signed by Gen. Reuben Wilson, leader of the Forum for Peace in the Niger Delta, as well as Ezekiel Akpasibowei and Darikoro Alfred, who commanded camps in Delta and Bayelsa States respectively.
The former warlords questioned the role of Oronto Douglas, presidential adviser on research, saying he used to be a vibrant activist before joining the government but could not advise the President properly.
They said: “It is very disappointing that till date, Jonathan cannot fix the East-West Road. It is equally painful that he cannot tackle the issues of insecurity in the country. We do not want to mention the shameful neglect of the Koluama people of Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa State who have suffered so much deprivation as a result of last year’s Chevron gas explosion.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Gen. Wilson, an ex- freedom fighter is the CSO of that clan. Till date, Mr President has not thought it necessary to do anything concerning the plight of these people. We wonder what has become of the president’s men that they cannot think less of their selfish gains and offer useful advice to him in the interest of the nation.
“The president needs be told that Nigerians are not happy and they deserve a change in style. Our support for him as our son is not shaken but we demand that he should seek wise counsel before the rest of the world tag the Ijaw people as toothless dogs who can only bark but can’t show acceptable leadership if given the opportunity.”