Emma Ovundah, Port Harcourt
The Leadership of the Easter Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), comprising of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States has advised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara to set up a unity government that will include qualified members of other political parties in the state.
The group also advised the governor to incorporate or engage other qualified governorship candidates, National and State Assembly candidates in the 2023 election and members of other parties in his administration.
President of IYC, Eastern Zone, Ibim Ibiwari, in a statement made public to newsmen in Port Harcourt urged the governor to strive to give a sense of belonging to all critical stakeholders of the state, for them to give their quota, expertise and wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom for the development and growth of the State.
The Ijaw youth body while commenting on recent happenings in the state, described the rift between some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly Members and the Governor as unwarranted and not necessary, adding that the governor has not committed any political infraction for such grand plot to impeach him.
The Ijaw youth group condemned the burning of the hallowed chambers of the state Assembly, and the shooting, teargasing and spraying of hot water on the governor who was on his way to inspect the level of damage at the Assembly.
The body called for proper investigation into the incident at the assembly and appealed to all parties to tow the path of peace.
On the removal and counter removal of both the Speaker, Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and Majority Leader, Hon. Edison Ehie, it urged that status quo be maintained, and the plan to remove the governor be suspended as well.
“The government is barely five months old, and we are experiencing this dastardly act and utmost show of shame.
“We don’t see the need for infighting. It is simply a medium to deny their respective constituents their benefits, due rights and privileges.
“From our observation they are all members of same political family and party. As such failure to adhere to this unpaid consultancy and proposed resolution, there will be grave consequences of moving and sponsoring for their immediate Withdrawal. These political offices weren’t voted for infighting, but rather to attract development for their respective constituency, and as well improve the well being of their constituents”, the body remarked.
The IYC also urged the governor to focus on creating improved means of livelihood by enhancing adequate power supply, affordable and free health and medical care, agriculture development capable of producing food for the masses.