Respected Niger Delta socio-cultural
group, Orashi National Congress, ONC, has called for calm in Rivers State while
joining voices with PANDEF, SYF and other groups to call for a review of the
Supreme Court Judgment stopping release of allocations to Rivers State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the ONC made the call at the
end of a crucial meeting in Port Harcourt following the outcome of the Supreme
Court Judgment.
Speaking to newsmen on behalf of the group, the
President General of Orashi National Congress, Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe, said that
it is rather strange that the goose that lays the eggs, which feeds the nation
is cut off from getting revenue from the Federation Account. He wondered for
long they would be starved of funds.
Amb Comrade Emeni Ibe stated, “Following the Supreme
Court Judgment stopping revenue from the Federation Account to Rivers State,
the Orashi National Congress is joining voices with PANDEF, SYF, other
concerned groups and stakeholders to call on the relevant Judicial authorities
for a review of the judgment in the interest of people”.
“The Judicial authorities should equally look with
reference to the case of Lagos State under Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Olusegun
Obasanjo of the then Federal Government.”
“However, the Orashi National Congress is calling on
all the parties involved in the current situation in Rivers State to remain
calm and look beyond their partisan interests by considering the greater
interest of the Rivers people.”
“We call on our amiable and working Governor, Sir
Siminalayi Fubara, to expedite the process of implementing aspects of the
Supreme Court Judgment not to be seen in flagrant disobedience of the Apex
Court.”
“At this point, we restate once again that we are
solidly behind Gov Siminalayi Fubara. And we will not allow any sinister moves
against his administration. We will equally resist every attempt to impeach him
by perceived enemies of Rivers State. We are ready and we will defend this
government wherein we have our own daughter and mother as the Deputy Governor
and our son as the Chief of Staff.”
“Please let not the actors beating the drums of war
make the mistake of underestimating our resolve and that of other Rivers
people. Orashi people are known for their strength, unity, and courage. Our
history speaks of resilience and our spirit cannot be broken.”
“While we wait for the Court of competent jurisdiction
to determine the case concerning the decampment of the embattled lawmakers, we
will not allow politicians to sponsor violence as we have reliably gathered in
the last 48 hours. We lost promising youths before the last LG election and we
should forestall any further loss of lives because of political issues in the
state.”
“The Orashi National Congress hereby calls on security
agencies to be vigilant and ensure the safety of lives and property following
the outcome of the Supreme Court Judgment.”
“We also demand that Local Government elections be
conducted immediately in Rivers State in line with the extant laws since the
Supreme Court had ruled that Councils without duly elected Chairmen and
Councillors will not receive allocations.”
“The administration of Governor Fubara symbolizes
hope, progress, and justice for Rivers State. We see his vision and genuine
efforts to transform the state. We therefore, demand that the Executive and
Legislative arms should work for the best interest of the Rivers people, which
supercedes personal interests.”
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