The President General of respected Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress (ONC), Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, has called on government at all levels to provide more support and funding for the Organised Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) across Rivers State.
While speaking on Thursday 11th June, Amb. Ibe said that considering OSPAC’s efforts in ensuring security of life and property in ONELGA, members of the group are supposed to have better financial assistance from both the State and Local Government authorities as well as the multi-national oil companies operating in the area.
Amb. Ibe said, “From my findings, OSPAC currently sources income “from individuals who appreciate their services through financial donations and gifts. The Council authority pays each member in their area an allowance of ₦10,000.00 monthly”.
“Apart from the monthly allowance, “some local government council and few individuals also equip OSPAC by providing patrol vehicles, arms and ammunition, and touch light used in combating crime within the local government area.”
“Summarily, OSPAC Security lacks financial support which limits them in performing their duties efficiently.
We use this medium to call on the Federal government and Rivers State to recognize their effort in the course of protecting lives and property,” Amb. Ibe said.
As at the time of publication, the Rivers State Government, the Council authorities and multinational oil companies operating in the area have not publicly responded to the ONC’s call for increased funding.