The Ogoni tribe in Rivers State has called for justice and fairness in the political calculation in the state and chance to produce the next governor in 2015 in view of its immense contributions to the development of the state.
A statement signed and issued on behalf of the Ogoni Community Association, United Kingdom and Ireland on Friday by Mrs Joy Phido; Mr Terry Ndee; Gbenekanu Mpigi; Godsent Giokabari, noted “Our attention has been drawn to the current popular political discourse making the headlines in the political arena in Rivers State. As Ogoni people in the Diaspora and resident in the United Kingdom and Ireland, and as avid observers of the political scene, it has become imperative for us to add our voices to the yearnings of the Ogoni people. From the creation of Rivers State in 1967 to this day, we are reminded of many eminent Ogoni sons and daughters who have served the people of Rivers State diligently and respectfully in various capacities under various executive governors from other ethnic nationalities making up the Rivers State.
“We are also mindful of numerous contributions made by the Ogoni people towards the socio-economic and political development of Rivers State and Nigeria as a nation state. Fresh in our minds is the very important role played by Ogoni people in restoring democracy in Nigeria by engaging in well documented international campaign against a brutal regime and military dictatorship. Ogoni people suffered great loss of lives and properties with the killings, burning villages and ultimate hanging of our sons. It was as a direct result of the Ogoni suffering and campaign that democracy was restored in Nigeria in 1999. We are also proud of our role in the area of campaigning for equality, human and environmental rights for all Nigerians.”
The association said it was confident that with Ogoni’s major contributions to nation building and unity, if given the opportunity, people were capable of providing an all-inclusive leadership in Rivers State in 2015.
“We are very grateful to other ethnic nationalities in Rivers State and beyond who have voiced their desire to see Ogoni produce the next governor for the State, especially the Ijaw ethnic nation who recently published a press release recognising Ogoni contributions to the Nigerian project and advocating for Ogoni people be given the opportunity to lead Rivers State in 2015.
“While the Ogoni people, like many other ethnic nationalities in the State and country may have their own internal differences, we want to make it abundantly clear that no one should be deceived into believing that Ogoni people are not united therefore not ready to lead the State. We want to use this opportunity to re-state the resolve and determination of the Ogoni globally to produce a governor and provide a once in our life-time quality all-inclusive leadership in Rivers State. It is for these reasons that we are calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR and all other ethnic nationalities in Rivers State and beyond to join hands with the Ogoni people by supporting our legitimate desire and request to be given the opportunity to produce the next executive governor for Rivers State in 2015.”
Source: Leadership
