A CLARION CALL ON THE RIVERS IJAW PEOPLE’S POLITICAL FORUM (RIPPF) TO THREAD WITH CAUTION
The attention of the National leadership of the Concerned Ijaw Democrats (CID) has been called to the ignoble twenty-three paragraph letter addressed to our foremost National Leader and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the INC, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, by a so-called Rivers Ijaw People’s Political Forum. (RIPPF). Unfortunately, the said letter which has been widely circulated in the media was signed by Chief Fernand Alabraba and 39 others.
As critical stakeholders in all Ijaw affairs and defense of Ijaw interests worldwide, we would not give the signatories to that petty letter the luxury of joining issues as no specific substantive matter regarding advancing Ijaw interests or resolution of the seamering political crisis in Rivers State was addressed. Rather, the letter simply focused on attempting to assail the towering National reputation of Chief Clark built up from when the foundations of this country, Nigeria were laid. That Chief remains perhaps the loudest and strongest voice for truth, justice and fair play in Nigeria, especially as it pertains to the Niger Delta remains an incontestable reality. As chairman of the INC – BOT, his firm support and collaboration with the INC – National Exco in promoting and defending the Ijaw Cause is unquestionable.
Reference to Chief Clark abandoning former President Goodluck Jonathan only shows the shallowness of the authors of this unfortunate letter and their inability to hold onto any fact. Ijaws and Niger Deltans are aware that even up to a few weeks ago, HE Dr. Jonathan, poured encomiums on Chief Clark on the occasion of his 97th birthday. With respect to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, we are living witnesses to the singular efforts of Clark in his emergence as Governor of Delta. They fell apart when HE Dr Okowa became Vice Presidential candidate to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, contrary to an earlier decision of Governors of Southern Nigeria in demand for South – South Presidency. The other related issue is with respect to diversion of funds meant for development of oil producing communities under 13%.
It is public knowledge that Chief Clark began to combat the former Governor, his hitherto protegee, on principle with respect to these issues long before he left office and not after as sadly alleged.
The least the Concerned Ijaw Democrats and the entire Ijaw Nation expect of our brothers under the hurriedly formed RIPPF is to eschew lies, innuendos and attacks against a greatly noble father and leader who truly represents our hopes and dream, even at this stage in his life. Our advice is for them to heed the well-intended admonitions from our father.
For the avoidance of doubt, the vituperations of 40 of our brothers and sisters and their pockets of co-travellers will not dampen in any way, the unalloyed loyalty and respect which over 25 million people of Ijaw have for our father, Chief Edwin Clark. At the same time, our support for our son, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, remains resolute. Finally, our commitment to the peace in Rivers State is firm and dispassionate.
We urge our friend, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike to focus on his very important National assignment in Abuja and allow Governor Fubara the expected breathing space to continue to build Rivers State in peace and work towards reconciliation of its people.
Thanks!
Signed:
Agbor Ebiowei Jackson
National President
Sotonye Felicia
National Secretary
Komonibo Matthew
National Legal Adviser
Jackrew Tobins
Publicity Secretary
Cc: President, Ijaw National Congress (INC)
