Rivers State Government in conjunction with the four Ogoni-speaking local government areas in the state are making efforts to address the needs of Ogonis living in Benin Republic.
Chairmen of the four Ogoni-speaking councils announced the partnership to address the challenges facing the Ogonis living in Benin Republic on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
Lahteh Loolo of Khana Local Government Area, Paul Kobani of Gokana Local Government Area, Jacobson Nbina of Tai Local Government Area and Philip Okparaji of Eleme Local Government Area told the Benin Republic returnees that the state governor, Nyesom Wike has directed that the process of rehabilitating them should commence immediately.
Speaking when the returnee beseeched the Government House in Port Harcourt, the council chairmen noted that they were on ground to carry out the directive of Governor Wike to improve the living condition of the returnees.
Dr. Jacobson Nbina, said that the details of all the returnees have been compiled while the local government areas, with the assistance of the state government, would integrate them in the society.
On his part, Lahteh Loolo, said that the four local government areas have made the necessary arrangements for the integration of the returnees.
Also, the chairman of Eleme Local Government Area, Philip Okparaji said the councils have arranged for medical attention to be given to the returnees.
However, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, and the apex Ogoni socio-cultural organization, KAGOTE are yet to comment on the situation.