Nat’l Leadership of Ijaw Youth Council in R/S Holds Thanksgiving for Wike’s Victory

The National leadership of Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide from Rivers state, under the aegis of Rivers Ijaw youths last Sunday held a Special Thanksgiving Service in honour of Rivers state Governor-elect, Chief Barr. Nyesome Ezebunwo Wike.

The event held at the prestigious, St. Paul's Anglican Church, Garrison Aba Rd attracted the crème de la crème of the society including Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain and Elder, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba among others.

Speaking to newsmen the National Secretary General of Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide /Leader of all Rivers Ijaw Youths, Engr. Emmanuel Bristol said the thanksgiving service was put together to express our gratitude to God for the victory of Chief Barr. Ezebunwo Wike, victory for Rivers people and victory for democracy following the outcome of the recent guber polls in Rivers state.

He said the Ijaw youths had critically examined the choice of candidates and had decided that our actions shall not be directed by ethnic bias but rather by our ability to recognize candidates that has the plight of the people at heart. He said tRivers youths were able to identify Wike as an individual that altruistically has Rivers state at heart. 'For us their was staked conviction that only the pair of Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike and Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo can guarantee Rivers resource for the betterment of Rivers state and her people” he said adding that Wike was able to help churn out a whopping 1.4 million votes during the Presidential election against a sitting governor which goes to show the degree of his commitment to the Ijaw and Niger delta project.

The IYC Secretary General noted that power indeed belongs to God, even as he used the event to assure Rivers people that the Wike led government shall address the lingering yearnings and aspirations of Rivers people, urging all and sundry to support his government.

Alagbariya also used the occasion to call the attention of the South Africa government to prevail on their randy citizens who has continued kill other nationals in their country with impunity. He urged them to stop the cold blooded and unnecessary xenophobic killing of Nigerians and other nationals in that country to stall reprisal attack from others. The IYC secretary general reminded them that South Africa nationals, firms and businesses are thriving in other parts of the continent saying he sees no reason why they should indulge in such acts of killing and looting spree. . Hear him: 'South Africans should not take out their frustration on other nationals, we are giving out this warning because presently a lot of Nigerian youths in that country have lost their lives or have had their businesses truncated and looted. If as youths we indulge in similar act it will not only breach the relationship enjoyed by both countries but also that of the entire black continent” he was quoted as saying..

Meanwhile a Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain and Elder, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba who attended the Church service has commended the Ijaw Youth Council for organizing the Special Thanksgiving Service in honour of Wike's victory, giving them kudos for the massive support accorded him and the party during the guber election. He said the role of the Ijaws in the emergence of Wike cannot be overemphasized, particularly describing the supportive role played by the national leadership of Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide from Rivers state as extraordinary.

According to him prior to the election there was an initial doubt whether the Ijaws will throw their weight behind Wike, however with the turnout of event the Ijaw support swayed deliberately towards Wike to ensure the needed victory at the poll.

The Rivers PDP chieftain noted that the emergence of Chief Barr. Ezebunwo Wike is a reflection of the general will of the people who unanimously decided to speak through their votes.

The IYC Special Thanksgiving tagged, 'Victory for Wike, Rivers state and Dremocracy Thanksgiving' also had attendance PDP party leaders, community leaders, men, women, and youths across the 23 local government and beyond who turned out en mass to celebrate and express gratitude to God for the Wike/Ipalibo victory.