Rivers people of Ijaw extraction have called on Senator Magnus Abe to be cautious of the way and manner he looks down on them.
Spokesman for Ijaw Republican Assembly (IRA), Comrade Kennedy Jack particularly admonished Senator Abe not to denigrate the Ijaws in Rivers state no matter how veiled.
IRA was reacting to a statement credited to Senator Magnus Abe on the plan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the state, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi to encourage riverine Ijaws to unite so they can have a taste of the governorship come 2023.
IRA reminded Abe that Amaechi is entitled to support whoever he choses to and that does not preclude him (Abe) from contesting if he still feels he has any measure of grassroots support.
According to him, IRA's position is that Amaechi’s preference is not the position of the party but reflects the path of ethnic harmony, justice and equity.
“Magnus Abe has consistently demonstrated pathological hatred for the Ijaws and this vexed statement is not different from his earlier position that the governorship seat should be the exclusive preserve of the upland part of the state.
“IRA acknowledges as a fact that zoning of political offices is a well accepted political strategy to accommodate all groups in a diverse and multi ethnic society like Rivers state and that the upland part, having occupied the office of governor for 24 years by the end of Wike's administration, it is only fair and just that the riverine Ijaws be given a fair chance to also govern the state “ the spokesman said.
He stressed further that Ijaws take serious exception to any body, no matter how politically connected, that tries to demean her people and her interest.
"IRA is aware that Rt Hon Amaechi has consistently demonstrated goodwill towards Ijaw as shown by the support he gave two Ijaws sons at different times towards emerging as governor of Rivers state. We clearly know that his offer to support aspirants of riverine Ijaw extraction is no Greek gift but a demonstration of his faith in inclusiveness.
"It is not true that Amaechi wants to deceive Ijaws as claimed by Magnus Abe. We want to make it clear that at the appropriate time, we shall reach out to all other ethnic groups in Rivers State to ask for their support for a governor of Ijaw extraction," he summed up.
Comments