We Supported Wike, We’ll Support Fubara to Succeed – IYC Chairman
Says, Ijaws Want Peace, Progress in Rivers
From ERIC MOORE, Port Harcourt
Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Tamunotonye Kpokpo, has cautioned youths of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, especially in Rivers State, not to allow themselves to be used by political players to cause unrest in the state.
Kpokpo cautioned them when he received members of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Rivers State chapter, when they paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He said the IYC will continue to throw support to any elected governor of the state, especially now that the governor is from Ijaw.
“We have supported all the former governors of Rivers State. Ijaws through the former First Lady of Nigeria, H.E. Patience Jonathan, played a major role in the emergence of Nyesom Wike as the governor.
“We stood by him (Wike) when he won the election and fully supported his administration. And now, we are also supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara to succeed as the Governor of Rivers State, because he has a good track record, a technocrat and civil servant.
“This is the first time the riverine is becoming the governor of Rivers State in 24 years. We thank God for that.”
Speaking on the national issues concerning restructuring and Local Government Autonomy, the chairman said the Ijaw Youth Council is in support of a sincere local government autonomy that is divulged of any political undertone.
According to him, the Ijaw ethnic nationality wants to control their resources.
He, however, commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s one year in office and his steadfastness as well as promises to give IYC a secretariat for the first time.
Kpokpo said: “I admire the governor. If not for his calm and cool nature, Rivers State would have been boiling by now.
“On the 16th of May, the Governor happily came out to welcome us and promised to build a secretariat for us. We are happy for that.
“We will not support any impeachment attempt but rather pray and push for his successful eight years in office.
“All we want in Rivers State are peace, progress, and prosperity that will attract investors to the state and create enough jobs for the youth.”
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is a prominent civil rights movement founded in 1998. It is dedicated to advocating for the interests and rights of the Ijaw ethnic group in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
The group was established in response to socio-economic challenges, neglect, and marginalization by successive federal governments, as Ijaw communities endured significant environmental degradation due to oil exploration.
The IYC has consistently been at the forefront of championing the aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Ends.