The people of Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State has raised an alarm over the peaceful protest made on Monday 17th November, 2014 over their exclusion from the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) at Onne in Rivers State.
The Vice Chairman Board of Trustee, Renaissance Peace and Aid Initiative, Chief S.K. Kalaowolo made the observation in a press release made available to journalists in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Kalaowolo stated that their settlement have been taken over by Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Intels and the Federal Ministry of Transport for the purpose of expanding the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) without due regard and compensation for the people of Okrika.
He said the Okrika people have made concerted efforts to reach the authorities concerned to recognize Okrika communities as co-landlord to no avail.
The Vice Chairman Board of Trustee positioned that the peaceful protest was authorized and approved by the Inspector General of police (IGP) in order to drive home their demand.
Chief Kalaowolo lamented that the protest draw anger from their neighbour the Onne people who attacked them with clubs and dangerous materials on the demonstrators who were men and women from Okrika LGA, while calling on the relevant authorities to come to their aid before things get out of hand as some people are already wounded.
The press release further explained that Okrika people are peace loving people who have legitimate right to protest for their right. ###