The leadership of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Orashi National Congress at the end of their press conference yesterday in Port Harcourt has condemned in strong terms the stand taken by some selected Rivers State Elders in the seeming misunderstanding between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the FCT, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
The Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Orashi National Congress after their meeting unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Her Excellency Prof Ngozi Ordu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie for their steadfastness and total loyalty to the State Governor.
In a statement jointly signed by the group’s President General, Most Snr Comrade Emeni Ibe, they described the elders’ stand as very wrong and uncalled for.
The statement read: “Ordinarily, both the leadership of the Orashi National Congress and the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria would have allowed the gladiators to settle but take particular exception to comments made against Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie”.
“The leadership of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Orashi National Congress are however, disturbed that a group, which claims to be Rivers Elders could be speaking in such a manner that does not befit their position as Elders.”
“Rather than look at the matter with Elders’ eyes, they decided to destroy the foundation for peace that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier laid.”
“More worrisome is the language of the so called Rivers Elders, wherein they tried to malign the character and reputation of the new Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie.”
“For the records, Rt. Hon Edison Ehie is a man of peace with so much respect for people even as he carries God’s grace as the most performing lawmaker in the State.”
“The Elders struggled so hard to make Rt. Hon Edison Ehie, a man loved by many, a scapegoat in the matter.”
”Already, the composition of the Rivers Elders is being queried by the generality of Rivers people as the absence of Chief Rufus Ada George, Dr Peter Odili, Rt Hon Austin Opara, HE Celestine Omehia and other Elders Statesmen like Distinguished Senator Osi Ideozu, Rt Hon Chibudhom Nwuche and Rt Rev’d Clement Ekpeye just to mention but a few were not there.”
The statement further read, “Let it be known clearly that the support the people of the state have for the former governor and Minister of FCT, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, should not be misconstrued for the parable of the welcoming plantain leaves and the wind as any attempt to rubbish well notable illustrious Daughter and Son, Prof Ngozi Ordu, Deputy Governor of Rivers and Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, shall be viewed as a slap on the entire Rivers people”.
“Therefore, we view the statement of the so called Rivers Elders as not speaking for Rivers people but for their own selfish interests.”
“The Elders refused to condemn the selfish and irresponsible actions of some members at the State House of Assembly for initiating moves to impeach the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who is just barely few months in office.”
”The so – called elders obviously betrayed themselves clearly by pitching their tenth on one side rather than remain neutral.”
The organizations however, added that the leadership of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Orashi National Congress are advising the Rivers Elders and other actors heating up the polity to give the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, a space for him to succeed in office.
“Our avowed support for His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Her Excellency Prof Ngozi Ordu, Deputy Governor of Rivers State and the Speaker, Rt Hon Edison Ehie, remain solid and unshakeable. “
They used the opportunity to appreciate Rt. Hon Edison Ehie for refusing the evil plots and the resistance of Rivers Youths, especially the Ijaws Youths. The leadership of the Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and the Orashi National Congress appealed for the release of those youths who were arrested alongside with the chairman of the NYCN of Rivers State chapter, who have been granted bail.
“We appeal for peace and total adherence to the rule of law. We thank the youths for rising to the occasion. May God help us all!” Most Snr Comrade Emeni Ibe on behalf of National President Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria and President General Orashi National Congress.