Ex-Bayelsa commissioner, Iworiso-Markson, urges Ogbia kinsmen to unite against crime

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The immediate past Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Bayelsa State, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, on Sunday urged the people of Ogbia Local Government Area to unite against crime.

The Iworiso-Markson said this in Yenagoa when he visited the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Hon. Federal Otokito.

Otokito was kidnapped on January 20 from his residence in Otuokpoti, his hometown in Ogbia Local Government Area.

According to Iworiso-Markson, Otokito’s abductors inflicted a high degree of injuries on his body but was lucky to have survived before he was rescued.

He said it was sad that the unfortunate incident has 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 the state governor, Senator 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 in the state.

He called on youths in the area to stop seeing kidnapping as a means of survival, stressing that they are only succeeding in demarketing Ogbia and Bayelsa state in general.

He appealed to the people of Ogbia not to allow politics to divide them, as the 2023 general elections approach, stating that what should be paramount to them should be the 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 I 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 I also urge them to bring those behind this to book.

“A lot of these things are carried out by our youths and it has to stop. This is not a legitimate venture for whatever reason it was 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.

It would be recalled that Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa 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, Azibalua Amon, replacing him with Jerry Offor, in an acting capacity.

Also, the youth president, Emolem Igue, was removed and replaced with Shedrach Afiemo.