UNDEDSS Supports Jonathan’s 2015 Bid, Proclaims Akpabio “Man of the Year”, and solicits solidarity with Nigerian Military!

Arising from its 7th Annual General Assembly, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over the weekend, the coalition of all Niger Delta ethnic nationalities and civil society, UNDEDSS [the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy] declared its Conditional Support for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's 2015 Re-Election Bid; announced that Governor Godswill Akpabio is the region's “Man-of-the-Year-2014”; sued for reason and peace in Delta and Rivers States; and, enjoined all Nigerians to fully support the Nigerian Military in the ongoing war against terrorism in Nigeria.

In a statement issued to the media on Saturday, November 22, 2014, UNDEDSS Secretary-General, Mr. Tony Iprinye Uranta, noted that the region's leaders have observed with growing apprehension the citizenry's disconnect from the military even though all of Nigeria depends on the military in the ongoing fight against terror.

“Maybe, Nigerians are so carried away with petty partisan political wranglings that they seem to be really oblivious to the dangers posed by the increasing levels of terrorism, both global and in Nigeria. If we do not, calculatedly and consciously support our fighting forces, or if we continue to help paint terrorists in positive light, as many politicians and journalists are myopically wont of doing, we will deprive our troops of their most potent weapon, which is disciplined high morale!”

UNDEDSS went on to say the region supports President Jonathan's 2015 re-election bid, but cautions that the President must be seen to be more inclusive in running the affairs of state; be more dependent on merit-biased [instead of merely poilitical!] advisers; more ready to call erring public officers to order, publicly, to exhibit transparent commitment to the rule-of-law; and, to generally show to Nigerians, and all the world, that his administration is truly nation-focused, not partisan in leanings.

Whilst suing for peace nationwide, UNDEDSS regrets the recent brouhaha engulfing the National Assembly, even as it lauded Senate President David Mark's timely troubleshooting efforts, and calls for all parties to respect the rule-of-law; noting that multiple wrongs never make a right. UNDEDSS, in like manner, called on the many ethnic groups of Rivers and Delta States to learn how to resolve issues in a civilized manner; going further to admonish Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to play the role of an unbiased umpire towards this objective, and advising political leaders in Rivers State to have posterity in mind at all times.

Finally, UNDEDSS announced that Akwa Ibom State's Governor Godswill Akpabio has been designated UNDEDSS' “Nigeria's Man of the Year”, in recognition of his sterling role [both public and behind-the-scenes!], within the last twelve months, in helping keep the nation stable, in partnership with his fellow Governors, President Jonathan, the National Assembly, and the international community!

“Whilst many public officers have abandoned their offices' responsibility and indulged in childish grandstanding and cheap uncouth use of language”, posited UNDEDSS Secretary-General, Tony I. Uranta, “Godswill Akpabio has remained focused on helping shore-up the Nigerian state, in these perilous times; and, this he has done, without failing to deliver infrastructural and other development to the people of Akwa Ibom State. We need more Akpabios, Fasholas and Dankwanbos [the Governors of Akwa Ibom, Lagos and Gombe States] for Nigeria to truly attain its greatness potentials.”

Tony I. Uranta
Secretary-General, UNDEDSS
Saturday, November 22, 2014