| The National Union of Ogoni Students INTL. USA says its attention has been draw to the recent press statement by Hon Barry Mpigi, a National Assembly Lawmaker representing Eleme. Tai and Oyigbo Federal Constituency, in Rivers State, at a town hall meeting at Sakpenwa that appeared in various Medias, particularly Nigeria Tide titled “Forget Bori State, Mpigi tells others”. |
The Ogoni Students said, while they respect the lawmaker’s sense of frustration and his admission that he can’t and will not fight for the demand of his people, they also went to remind him and those in charge, that Bori state is not just viable but overdue. “This should particularly trouble every Ogoni man that Mr. Mpigi instead of supporting the Bori State Movement, he is asking for the support of the governor. It could be argued that if according to him, “every member of the National Assembly also wants a state”. Where does Hon. Mpigi stands, on the creation of state in Nigeria? NUOS noted.
The NUOS statement issued by Comrade Baridaka Sunday who is the Public Relations Officer asked, “How did Mr. Mpigi consider these representatives who are on the floor with him asking and fighting for a state for their People? What does representation means to Mr. Barry Mpigi, if other responsible lawmakers are asking for equal (by way of creating states that will bring development or Quality of Life to the people) representation to the development of their constituency? Further, Ogoni people must stands up and question Hon. Mpigi whether this is hatred or ignorant on his part, toward his people? We the Ogoni people need smart and intelligence politicians, not Mr. Mpigi type”, they stressed.
“NUOS USA is not only puzzled but shocked that Barry Mpigi, who is one of the political arrow heads from the area, does not know how to position and present himself and advocate for the demand of his people, However, we hope to advice the lawmaker that no amount of appeasement or political knife stabbing will stop the people’s zeal and demand for Bori State. We also, want to remind him that even though our people gave him their vote, they never gave him their right and he must not provoke their right.
“NUOS INT’L. USA therefore called on the people of Ogoin, Andoni, Opobo, Tai, Eleme and Oyigbo to be consistent and disregard Hon. Mpigi, who is driven by political bias and self-seeking, but continue to support the Bori State Movement, for the propose Bori State is viable and long overdue”, they emphasized.###
Source: National Network
