••••Demands For Unreserved Apology
The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI has demanded an unreserved public apology from Gov. Wike for saying that Ijaw doesn’t has right to protest in NDDC headquarters in Rivers state.
The group in a statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin which a copy of it was made available at press time, said Gov.Wike goofed when he erroneously said that Ijaw doesn’t had right to protest in NDDC headquarters in Portharcourt.
Pressing further, he asserted that Wike misfired and that Ijaw and others in Niger Delta region had right to protest against any perceived injustice in NDDC, noting that the right to protest is inalienable fundamental right of every citizen in the country.
IPDI stated that NDDC was birthed by Niger Delta struggle, largely fronted by the Ijaw people, but surprisingly, those who called the Ijaw all kinds of names are today enjoying and determining the proceeds of the Niger Delta struggle which many Ijaw youths sacrificed their lives for.
The full report;
Press Statement
Feb. 9, 2021
NDDC: WIKE MISFIRES, IJAW ,OTHERS HAVE RIGHT TO PROTEST AGAINST INJUSTICE IN NDDC
We are not deter by uncommon positions canvassed by Gov.Wike and others against the Ijaw nation. I wish to state unequivocally that Gov. Wike goofed when he erroneously said that Ijaw doesn’t has right to protest in NDDC headquarters in Portharcourt. Wike is one governor I love most because he is outspoken to power. But that will not stop me from telling him that he misfired for saying Ijaw doesn’t has right to protest against injustice in NDDC.
Being my friend, I advised that he should have some reservations when he speaks. He should understand that the right to protest is inalienable right of every Nigerian, in respective of tribe or religion. It is not the duty of Wike to determine who has right to protest or not. Being the host to NDDC headquarters is not a ground for him to insult or speak down on Ijaw nation.
He shouldn’t provoke Ijaw nation, because Ijaw may demand for relocation of NDDC headquarters to Delta or Bayelsa states and the sky will not fall. So, he shouldn’t speak as if it’s his right to be host to NDDC headquarters in Rivers state.
Besides, NDDC was birthed by Niger Delta struggle, largely fronted by the Ijaw people, but surprisingly today, those who called the Ijaw all kinds of names are the ones enjoying and determining the proceeds of the Niger Delta struggle which many Ijaw youths sacrificed their lives for. Some persons always feel threatened by the outspoken and bold nature of Ijaw people. You don’t have to hate Ijaw people, they shouldered the bothering of everyone in Niger Delta. They are the only defence we have in Niger Delta region when Fulani will strike.
We want to state emphatically that Wike shouldn’t use his privilege position to talk wrong on Ijaw people as we will not accepted it. Ijaws were instrumental to his victory, so we didn’t expect him to turn his back against Ijaw people. Ijaws have about 10 LGAs in Rivers state, and appears to be the largest ethnic nationality in Rivers state. We deserve some respects. Ijaw nation demands apology from Wike for such careless talks without further delay.
Signed
Comrade Ozobo Austin
National President Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI.
