Allow Jonathan enjoy “democratic rights” in 2015, OPC leader urges Nigerians

The OPC founder said his group would help secure pipelines in the South West of Nigerian.

The founder of the Odua People’s Congress, OPC, Frederick Fasehun, said President Goodluck Jonathan should be allowed to enjoy his “democratic rights” by contesting in the 2015 election.

Mr. Fasehun said this on Thursday in Abuja when he led a delegation of the OPC on a visit to Kingsley Kuku, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs.

“We fought for the democracy. Democracy is a pervasive commitment and the President has his democratic rights to enjoy. I think Nigerians should allow him to enjoy his democratic rights by standing election in 2015.

“And if Nigerians think he has brought peace. He has encouraged growth and progress, they should give him another chance to continue,” the OPC boss said.

Mr. Fasehun urged Nigerians to give President Jonathan time to fix the problems and challenges facing the country.

The OPC leader said that the OPC would partner with other agencies to provide security for the pipelines in the South West.

“The problem persists because agencies saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and securing the pipelines, have compromised.

“That is why experts and observers alike strongly recommend that the government must think outside the box for the ultimate solution,” he said.

Mr. Fasehun promised to dispense “that same level of dedication, discipline and efficiency that today guarantees safety and security for lives and properties in our home zone.”

“We promise zero-tolerance for pipeline vandals and pipeline vandalism. We have outlined strategies and equipment required for securing the entire pipeline network in the South-West.

“And by the grace of God and Federal Government, pipeline vandalism within the South West zone will be completely wiped out in the next 12 months,” Mr. Fasehun said.

He said members of the OPC are ready to lay down their lives and limbs to safeguard the nation’s commonwealth.

“We will be pulling well over 30,000 foot soldiers into this assignment. That means a minimum of 30,000 jobs for a minimum Nigerians.

“We shall be working in synergy with the NNPC, the PPMC, the Police, the Navy, the SSS and allied security agencies to ensure that we wipe out the problem of pipeline vandalism once and for all,” he said.

Responding, Mr. Kuku commended the leaders of the OPC for their concern to secure the pipeline network in the South west.

He recalled that many people had lost their lives to pipeline vandals, particularly in Ore and Ogun state.

The presidential aide promised to deliver the group’s intervention report to the president.

(NAN)