The Rivers State, Governor Barr. Nyesom Wike, has been enjoined to intervene and retrieve deep sea fishing trawlers meant for fishermen in the state which are now lying useless in Ondo and Akaw Ibom States.
National President of the Artisan Fishermen Association of Nigerian (ARFAN), Bishop Dr. Nifeipiri made the appeal in an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt.
Apparently disturbed by not being in possession of the trawlers the president revealed that five (5) fishing trawlers were purchased and delivered to Rivers State to enable the fishermen go into deep sea fishing, but to his dismay these trawlers have been found in two other States of the Federation, “Akwa/Ibom and Ondo States to be specific”, as revealed by the Nigerian Navy” adding that all efforts to get back the trawlers through the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry have proved abortive.
Bishop Nifeipiri noted that the democratic governance cannot be effective until the masses are well placed in various economy pursuits since eight percent (80%) of Nigeria population falls under grassroots, saying that for effective salvation of Nigeria and sustenance of grassroots economy there is need to device the means of restoring prominence to agricultural product specifically in production of more fish through governments assistance to ARFAN.
Bishop Nifeipiri seized the opportunity to commend Governor Wike on meaningful projects saying that Wike’s development initiatives are sustainable, people oriented and monumental.
He praised the pragmatism, commitment, courage and most importantly prudence and transparency as demonstrated by the governor since assumption of office, saying in addition to these abilities, he has proved to Rivers people that he is truly Rivers and will not be distracted from recovering the lost glory of the state.
More than 10,000 members of ARFAN, he said, are proud of governor Wike who has proved it right in making him its Governor, adding that the association has not been disappointed by the actions and policies taken in course of governance and therefore reiterated its vote of confidence on the Governor and his administration.
The president appeal to the Governor to come to the aid of Artisan Fishermen in the State by making the deep sea fishing Trawlers (Five in Number) available, saying that ARFAN is very much prepared to go into Public Private Partnership with the Government. ###
