Crack in Rivers PDP: EX -GUBER CANDIDATE CALLS FOR CAUTION

Following the recent springing up of a faction in the Rivers state chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, a former gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Eric Lazarus Iyango has called for caution in the handling of the matter.

Iyango, who was the gubernatorial candidate of the National Solidarity Democratic Party, NSDP, in the 2007 general election in the state, made the call, during an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Port Harcourt.

He blamed the division on the inability of the parties to properly harmonize their interest, describing it as a threat to the Party's consolidation ahead of the 2011 general elections.

Speaking on the recent killing of an ex Commander of the Movement for the emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Soboma George, Iyango condemned the act, describing it as ungodly.

“Yes. The recent springing up of a faction in the Rivers state chapter of the Party is quite unfortunate. Caution must be applied in the handling of the matter, as if not properly handled, could throw the party into a deep crises, capable of posing a serious threat to the Party's success in the 2011 elections. The problem is strictly political and needs a political solution. The problem is as a result of the parties involved not being able to harmonize and reconcile their interests.

Just recently, Soboma George was killed and some persons are blaming it on the conflict in the party. Let me tell you, nobody on earth has the right to take another person's life. It is ungodly to kill. I condemn it in totality. Why must you take away that which you cannot create. There is need for a thorough investigation into his death. Meanwhile, we must all surrender to God, for he has the final say and he only can Judge”, he stressed.

On his planned defection to the PDP, Iyango reiterated his decision to so do, adding that modalities are being put in place for his formal declaration for the Party.

Reacting to the question of which of the factions of the Party to join, he said: “I am joining the mainstream of the Party. There is an already existing structure of the Party in the state, recognized by the relevant authorities. That is where I am declaring”.

Commenting on the performance of the Rotimi Amaechi led administration in the state, he expressed satisfaction with the present government, describing the governor as having good intentions for the state.

He however frowned at the poor jobs executed by local contractors in the state and called on the government to probe all such contracts, with the view to bringing the erring contractors to book, to serve as a deterrent on others.

Iyango also advised all residents of the state, to support and contribute their quota to the development of the state.