RIVLEAF BITING MORE THAN IT CAN CHEW …IJF

By Ijaw Justice Forum

The Ijaw Justice Forum (IJF) has faulted plans by the Rivers Leadership Advancement Foundation (RIVLEAF) to search for a Governorship Candidate on behalf of Rivers people, emphasizing that the group was biting more than it can chew.


This is as the forum criticizes the Eleme Coordinator of RIVLEAF for advocating a Riverine Governorship Candidate from the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in 2015, saying the call was not intone with historical realities.


The President of the Forum, Comrade Tom Douglas stated this while reacting to posters and statements among others, credited to the foundation on arrangements to recruit a replacement for Governor Chibuike Amaechi come 2015.


He noted that the riverine areas of Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni have enjoyed an unbroken chain of leadership in the senatorial district and played key role in the state for nearly sixteen years as Deputy Governor under Governors Odili and Amaechi, insisting that “for equity and fair play, it's logical that Ogoni is adopted in 2015”.


“In spite of being the second largest Ethnic group in Rivers State with high voting strength amid enormous sacrifices and challenges, Ogoni people have not experienced the Office of Speaker or Deputy Governor; now that opportunity for Governor is presented to the Rivers South-East where they belong, we expect their brothers in the district and indeed Rivers people to support them” the President said.


“Those who argue for the Riverine of Rivers South-East that has occupied the Office of Deputy Governor for nearly sixteen years at the expense of the Oyigbos' and Ogonis' do that out of sheer greed and personal interest and not to foist stability, equity and fair play among the people”.


While cautioning socio-political groups to be wary of the present times, Douglas urged the leadership of the foundation consisting of former student union leaders not to allow allegiance to their sponsor who is from one of the riverine local government to becloud their views, even though that was his intention.


He frown at the pretentious disposition of the foundation in the name of projecting Governor Amaechi's administration saying such act was a replica of Nyesom Wike, who puts President Jonathan as cover for his governorship ambition.


Douglas urged RIVLEAF not to drag Governor Amaechi into the ambition of their paymaster as according to him “People across the world are aware of the Governor's dependence on God for direction and will not seek the services of RIVLEAF in the search for who succeeds him”.


Signed,

TOM DOUGLAS
President, Ijaw Justice Forum (IJF)
September 14, 2014