Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has blamed the alleged refusal of multinational companies in the Niger Delta to encourage host communities with key appointments for the crisis bedevilling the region.
He said local content participation is key to harmony and sustainable development.
Governor Wike made this assertion during a courtesy call by the leadership of the Nigerian Bottling Company at the Rivers State Government house.
The displeased governor said, ” nobody can accept what we are seeing today. That is why there is problem in the Niger Delta. Nigerians do not want the people of Niger Delta to be part of this country. We can’t continue this way. Look at what is happening in shell, all the oil companies. Here, they produce oil but their headquarters are not here, but the oil is produced in the Niger Delta. For Christ’s sake are we slaves”?
In spite of this displeasure, the Rivers state governor expressed happiness that the NBC is expanding her operation in Rivers state.
He appreciated them and promised that the documents for the land acquired by the NBC for their expansion will be granted by his administration.
While speaking during the visit, the chairman of the board of directors of the Nigerian Bottling Company, Amb. Olusegun Apata, said the company is working towards building a mega plant in Port Harcourt.
He said the new plant which will cover 28 thousand square meters will be a hub for the zone with new jobs added across the board.
