Rivers PDP Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah, Flays Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi’s Unapologetic Stance

The Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bro. Felix Obuah, takes a swipe at statements emanating from the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Magnus Abe, and Tai-Eleme-Oyigbo federal constituency in the March 19, 2016, re-run election in the State, Mr. Barry Mpigi, describing their decision not to apologize to the Ogoni people and families of victims of the recent killings in the area as a display of arrogance and wickedness.

The PDP chairman says statements credited to them which were aired through the electronic media, saying that they owe no apology to the people of Ogoni or any of the families of victims of the Monday 22 and Tuesday 23, February 2016 military invasion of Ogoni communities, during which over 17 persons, including pregnant woman and children, were killed and properties destroyed, are unfortunate and most unexpected of them.

Bro Obuah further views their position on the situation as that of unpatriotic Ogoni men, and unrepentant sinners who deserve no mercy and not to be forgiving, not only by their people but all men and women who have conscience and are on the side of justice.

He expresses disappointment that persons who are canvassing for the votes of the people, and want to represent them at the National Assembly, would not feel the plight and pains of the same people, even when they are been linked to the incidents that resulted to the killing of innocent citizens, their potential electorate.

Bro Obuah believes that by their singular act of refusing to apologize over the sad incidents, in addition to numerous irresponsible and abominable actions that do not portray any leadership quality or attitude in Messrs Abe and Mpigi, the people of the Senatorial District should ensure they do not get any of their votes, saying such unremorseful and arrogant fellows do not deserve to be at the National Assembly or occupy any leadership position.

By refusing to apologize and prefer to remain unconcerned and unrepentant over such cruel and genocidal action against their people, it is our considered opinion, even as their reactions portend, that the military occupation of Ogoni communities and killing of their kinsmen and women, and non-natives was deliberate and politically masterminded.

The PDP however, reiterates its earlier call on Mr. Barry Mpigi and his colleague, Mr. Magnus Abe, to reconsider tendering genuine apology to the people of Ogoni, victims’ families and the entire people of Rivers State for their role in the atrocities committed during the military invasion and occupation of Ogoni communities, including Bori, Yeghe, Zaakpon, Bo-ue etc.

“Demonstrate good example of leaders you claim to be and take responsibility by showing remorse for your invitation of the military to Ogoni and for masterminding the killing of your people,” Obuah tells Abe and Mpigi.

Signed:
Jerry Needam
Special Adviser, on Media and Publicity to
State PDP Chairman, Bro. Felix Obuah
Friday, March 11, 2016.