We are disturbed with statements alleged by one Demebide A. Pele, a chieftain of the Delta state APC, who raised a false alarm that Ijaw communities in Delta state, are strongholds for militant camps, this is fictitious and fallacious.
We consider his statements as the revelation of a grand plot to militarise Ijaw communities in the forthcoming state elections, with the aim to intimidate, harass, molest and disenfranchise our people with the aid of the military, thereby paving way for their evil plot to cart away with electoral materials and input results in their favour.
We wish to remind the military that their constitutional obligation is to protect lives and properties, and not allow themselves to be used by desperate politicians like the likes of Demebide who is obviously acting a script written for him by Mr. Ovedje Ogboru, the Delta guber candidate of the APC, to perpetrate evil and thwart the people’s resolve to vote their desired choice.
For avoidance of doubt, the Ijaw people and majority of Deltans have unanimously agreed to vote for the candidacy of Okowa/Otuaro, the APC leaders being aware of this, have resorted to desperate moves of blackmailing communities and individuals, in order to find an excuse for the military to come in, so as to perfect their evil purposes as stated above.
Our interest as a group is the security and well being of Ijaw people and our neighbouring tribes, we call on the federal government to caution both the military to be professional and leaders of the APC in the state to be democratic, elections are not won by violence and blackmails, but rather by more diplomatic and subtle strategies that appeals to the people’s conscience.
Because someone is not in tandem with your political ideology doesn’t make him/her an enemy, there are democratic ways to attract voters/supporters in one’s favour, we advise the delta APC to implore such strategies, not planning of attacking communities and individuals. We therefore caution Demebide to refrain from such statements that may incite public disturbance and cause unrest.
We also utilise this medium to encourage Ijaws, deltans, not to be intimidated but to be in high spirit as they move towards electing a Governor on Saturday, come out enmass without fear and casts your voice for the choice candidate. Ijaws all over the Niger delta are keenly watching and observing and we will resist any attempt to subvert the people’s will in Delta.
Apostle Bodmas kemepadei, Leader/Coordinator, Order of Egbesu Brotherhood and convener Ijaw unity and peace committee.