OPOROZA, the traditional headquarter of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State was earlier today basking in the euphoria of jubilation as envoy of the United States of America, USA led by its Consul general, Mr. F. John Bray visited the Kingdom on a fact finding mission.
Speaking during the visit at the world class royal castle, of the revered monarch, His Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun 11, Aketekpe, Agadagba of Gbaramatu Kingdom at Oporoza, Mr. Bray hinted the people of the kingdom and by extension Niger Deltans that his team was on a one day fact finding mission, stressing that they have come to promote peace in the region.
The USA representative who expressed delight over the warm reception given to him by the peaceful people of Gbaramatu kingdom have described the situation as a strong signal for the close ties between the Nigerian and the American governments.
According to him : “I want to thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts for the reception we have received today, our visit today is continuation of war torn engagements to promote peace through dialogue in the Niger Delta, even before attacks make up last last year, our government was engaged in this effort, we are here to promote peace in the region, since last year, we engaged with a whole range of stakeholders including the Federal Government, State Governments, Traditional Rulers, Civil Society groups and other citizens.” Mr. John Bray stated.
The speech read in part “Your Royal Majesty, Traditional Council of Chiefs and the good people of Gbaramatu Kingdom, I humbly request to stand on the existing protocols,
“We have worked with many friends including a number of people in this room with a target of what the truth his on the ground, it is our pleasure to be here on the ground today, we are here to learn about the situation on the ground, I respect this document, I appreciate receiving it but we are here to visit communities and walk the ground and see with our eyes some of the things you talked about in this document, this is exactly the same thing that the Vice President did two weeks ago and we all more than anything, we hope to lean on the path for to maintain peace in this important meeting, again I want to thank you very much for the warm welcome you have provided us today , Its a very strong signal of the close ties between the Nigerian Government and the US government, God bless Gbaramatu Kingdom ” It noted.
However, the US envoy later storm the take-off campus of the Nigerian Maritime University, Kurutie Community to have on the spot assessment of the structures and facilities on ground.
Addressing journalists after the facility inspection at Kurutie, Mr. Bray reiterated that his visit to the kingdom remains a fact finding one and cannot make instant recommendations, stressing that such could come in the future.
In his words “Our visit today is purely fact finding, this is a running message for us and recommendations comes in the future.” He alleged.
Meanwhile, Hon. George Ekpemupolo, Executive Chairman Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have also scolded antagonists of the Kingdom, adding that before now series of negative stories have been maliciously peddled against the kingdom, expressing that the visit by the US envoy will also unravel the true state of things in the Kingdom.
According to Hon. George :”Many of all these things that they are hearing about our people, before now where not true in anyway, people where saying a lot of things because when you are not close with some people you may be tempted to believe what they must have told you, I think with their visit today, I believe they have seen most of the things including the gigantic structures of the Nigerian Maritime University, at the Kurutie Temporary Site, here in Gbaramatu Kingdom, they have seen it all and since they are on a fact finding mission, they have also seen our peaceful disposition as well too. ” He said.
Also part of the US delegation was Mr. Blair King, United States Agency for International Development Director and others, the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs was hugely present, Community leaders across the Kingdom, different women groups, Niger Delta activists and others too numerous to mention
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