Respected Niger Delta socio-cultural group, Orashi National Congress, ONC, has called for calm in Rivers State while joining voices with PANDEF, SYF and other groups to call for a review of the Supreme Court Judgment stopping release of allocations to Rivers State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the ONC made the call at the end of a crucial meeting in Port Harcourt following the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgment.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the group, the President General of Orashi National Congress, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe, said that it is rather strange that the goose that lays the eggs, which feeds the nation is cut off from getting revenue from the Federation Account. He wondered for long they would be starved of funds.
Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe stated, “Following the Supreme Court Judgment stopping revenue from the Federation Account to Rivers State, the Orashi National Congress is joining voices with PANDEF, SYF, other concerned groups and stakeholders to call on the relevant Judicial authorities for a review of the judgment in the interest of people”.
“The Judicial authorities should equally look with reference to the case of Lagos State under Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo of the then Federal Government.”
“However, the Orashi National Congress is calling on all the parties involved in the current situation in Rivers State to remain calm and look beyond their partisan interests by considering the greater interest of the Rivers people.”
“We call on our amiable and working Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to expedite the process of implementing aspects of the Supreme Court Judgment not to be seen in flagrant disobedience of the Apex Court.”
“At this point, we restate once again that we are solidly behind Gov Siminalayi Fubara. And we will not allow any sinister moves against his administration. We will equally resist every attempt to impeach him by perceived enemies of Rivers State. We are ready and we will defend this government wherein we have our own daughter and mother as the Deputy Governor and our son as the Chief of Staff.”
“Please let not the actors beating the drums of war make the mistake of underestimating our resolve and that of other Rivers people. Orashi people are known for their strength, unity, and courage. Our history speaks of resilience and our spirit cannot be broken.”
“While we wait for the Court of competent jurisdiction to determine the case concerning the decampment of the embattled lawmakers, we will not allow politicians to sponsor violence as we have reliably gathered in the last 48 hours. We lost promising youths before the last LG election and we should forestall any further loss of lives because of political issues in the state.”
“The Orashi National Congress hereby calls on security agencies to be vigilant and ensure the safety of lives and property following the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgment.”
“We also demand that Local Government elections be conducted immediately in Rivers State in line with the extant laws since the Supreme Court had ruled that Councils without duly elected Chairmen and Councillors will not receive allocations.”
“The administration of Governor Fubara symbolizes hope, progress, and justice for Rivers State. We see his vision and genuine efforts to transform the state. We therefore, demand that the Executive and Legislative arms should work for the best interest of the Rivers people, which supercedes personal interests.”