- Vow to revive the BRACED Commission
By Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba
Three governors in the South-south geopolitical region yesterday met in Asaba to deliberate on burning national issues with a vow to resuscitate the BRACED Commission which appeared dormant for some time now.
Host, Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike and Mr. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa-Ibom State at the end of a closed door meeting at the Government House, Asaba, expressed desire to work earnestly for the interest of the nation especially at this time of economic challenges.
The acronym, BRACED, stands for then special economic commission comprising the States of Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta.
The three PDP governors, who attended the Asaba meeting, told newsmen that the modalities for the revival of the BRACED Commission as well as how to fortify the security machinery in the oil-rich region towards sustained oil production ranked top in the issues discussed.
Udom, who spoke on behalf of the three governors, stressed that the governors of the South-south region were passionate about reviving the hitherto docile BRACED Commission with a view to bringing to bear the lofty aim of its establishment few years ago.
The issue of insecurity also occupied front burner during the meeting, Udom noted, adding that the state executives in the region were looking at ways to fortify security to sustain oil production.
He noted that the governors did not meet to discuss issues relating to politics but rather dwelt on issues pertaining to security and economic development in the region and added that the PDP governors were excited about the progress of the party in the country.
Udom said: “On behalf of all our colleagues from the South-South region, we just came together to discuss few economic issues and how we can revive the BRACED commission. It is actually a very good economic platform for the entire region to look at those areas of common economic interest so that we can also foster economic growth in the region.
“And also, we looked at how we can try and fortify security network especially now that the oil prices are a little bit epileptic; we need to make sure that we maintain production. There is definitely the need for us to ensure that the area is safe, with the increase in the quantum of oil production, there is need to boost security in the region, in the interest of our region and the country.
Okowa had earlier received his Rivers and Akwa Ibom counterparts at the Asaba Airport, from where they drove in a motorcade to the Government House on Anwai Road, Asaba.
