By Nathan Nwakamma
The former Bayelsa Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, has urged the people of Ogbia Local Government Area to unite against crime.
Iworiso-Markson made the call in Yenagoa on Sunday when he visited the State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Federal Otokito.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Otokito was kidnapped on Jan. 20 from his residence in Otuokpoti, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the abductors inflicted high degree of injuries on Otokito’s body but he was lucky to have survived before being rescued.
He said that the unfortunate incident had been allegedly traced to some people close to the victim, pointing out that there was no justification for such a heinous crime.
He thanked God for sparing the life of the commissioner and commended Gov. Douye Diri and security agencies for the steps taken against those who are complicit in the act.
The ex-commissioner decried the recent high-profile kidnap of some Ogbia people and called on youths in the area to stop seeing kidnapping as a means of survival,
“They are only succeeding in demarketing Ogbia and Bayelsa state in general,’’. Iworiso-Markson said.
He appealed to people of Ogbia not to allow politics to divide them, as the 2023 general elections approaches.
He noted that what should be paramount to the people should be meaningful development of the area.
“I came here today to visit my friend and brother, Hon. Federal Otokito. I heard the sad news of his kidnap and was pained.
“Otokito is a peaceful man who is doing his job as Commissioner for Trade and Investment.
“He doesn’t deserve this wicked action against him. Seeing his bruised body alone makes me emotional. I can imagine what he went through and the pain he is going through now.
“I’m happy he was rescued alive. I thank the state government and security agencies for that and also urge them to bring those behind this to book,’’ he said.
The former commissioner said that a lot of the kidnappings are perpetrated by the youths and it had to stop.
“This is not a legitimate venture for whatever reason it is done. Ogbia people must unite against crime and criminal acts. It is becoming too much.
“If it is for politics then we should stop it. Politics should not divide us or make us lose our loved ones”, he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Diri on Jan. 24, while announcing the rescue of Otokito dethroned the paramount ruler of Otuokpoti, Chief Cousin Wongo for alleged complicity in the kidnap saga.
The governor also announced the sacking of the Community Development Committee Chairman, Mr Azibalua Amon, and replaced him with Mr Jerry Offor, in acting capacity.
Also, the youth President, Mr Emolem Igue, was removed and replaced with Mr Shedrach Afiemo.
(NAN)
