From: Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ijaw leaders and the leadership of People Democratic Party (PDP) have warned those trying to create rift between former President Goodluck Jonathan to desist from their evil agenda.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) blamed detractors for twisting Governor Dickson’s speech, noting that the governor did not make derogatory remarks about the former president as being made to be believed by detractors.
The INC, in a statement by its Chairman (Central Zone), Kennedy Odiowei, stated that it was high time Ijaw sons and daughters came together and put aside their political differences and fight for the collective interest of the region rather than allow any black leg to cause disaffection among them.
The INC pointed out that Ijaw land occupies her right of place in the country and to achieve this, our leaders must come together and this was the message that Governor Dickson was trying to pass across during the last Boro day celebration.
INC said it is sad to note that instead of appreciating the efforts of the governor of Ijaw homogeneous state, the detractors for their selfish reason decided to twist the message in order to cause crisis in the region”
The statement reads:”We members of the INC have admitted our failure. We have left what is to be done or undone. The governor’s statement has woke us up from our slumber. It is our responsibility to join forces with our leaders irrespective of their political parties to ensure a rapid development of the region. This is what Governor Dickson was drawing our attention to and we should take it serious. We should not allow detractors to cause disaffection among our leaders, especially President Jonathan and his closest ally, Governor Seriake Dickson.
The IYC in a statement signed by its chairman in the Central Zone, Comrade Bobolayefa Owoupele stated that Dickson’s remark at the Isaac Boro Day celebration was a clarion call for all political office holders to close ranks and work with the government to develop the state and the Ijaw nation.
He berated those who gave the statement a negative coloration, insisting that it was only meant to tell Bayelsans in high places that irrespective of political affiliation, the state should come first in their thoughts and actions.