As the political crisis in Rivers State festers into irreconcilable differences, leaders from the Ogoni and Oyigbo zones in Rivers State converged to assert their right to seek the highest office in the state....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
The event, attended by prominent politicians across Party limes, including Senator Barinada Mpigi, Senator Magnus Abe, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, and Hon. Chief Victor Giadom, emphasized unity and cooperation among the two ethnic nationalities which falls under the same senatorial district that produced the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
As part of their resolution, they Demanded for Ogoni/Oyigbo governorship slot in 2027; called for unity and cooperation among Ogoni and Oyigbo people, Called for major parties to consider Ogoni/Oyigbo for governorship, as they Condemned Governor Fubara’s actions.
Speaking at the event which was held in the Tai Council Area of the state, Senator Mpigi challenged political actors visiting Aso Villa at night to publicly declare their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged the President to contest the 2027 general election to consolidate his efforts in improving the economy.
“I call on Mr. President to contest the 2027 election, and finish the numerous projects, including the Coastal Roads, Badagry Express Road, and others,” Senator Mpigi said.
The leaders commended the Minister of Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State politics leader, Nyesom Wike, for uniting Ogoni and Oyigbo politically.
Ambassador Desmond Akawor who was the Chairman of the occasion stated that since the Ijaw people within the senatorial district have segregated themselves from the upland, they, the upland, are going to make a statement that will change the political history of the state come 2027.
On his part, Chief Victor Giadom, South-South Deputy National Chairman of APC, thanked President Tinubu for people-oriented reforms and urged major parties (PDP & APC) to consider Ogoni/Oyigbo for the governorship slot in 2027.
Senator Olaka Nwogu queried Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to protect hoodlums who destroyed properties at the event venue.
Senator Magnus Ngei Abe emphasized the importance of peace and unity, while Dumnamene Dekor stressed Ogoni/Oyigbo’s capacity to produce the next governor.
Also, Emmanuel Deeyah praised Minister Wike and President Tinubu for their contributions to Ogoni and Nigeria’s development.
Also, the leaders condemned external interference in their affairs, specifically targeting Chief Edwin Clarke’s recent outbursts against the minister of FCT.
The group demanded a retraction of Clarke’s insulting words and a focus on addressing pressing issues in his home state of Delta.
Citing Clarke’s “obsession and rudeness” as divisive and threatening to peace in Rivers State, the leaders emphasized that his actions have emboldened conflict merchants and rent-seekers.
They singled out Hon. Ugochinyere Imo and Chief Dan Anyanwu as examples, accusing them of exploiting Rivers State resources for personal gain.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for, The 27 authentic members of the Rivers State House of Assembly; The Speaker and Deputy Speaker; and the Supreme Court’s decision declaring Care-Taker Committees (CTCs) unlawful
They expressed concern over the continued funding of CTCs, labelling it a “wasteful expenditure” and warned that these funds may be demanded in the future.
