Rivers: Group condemns PDP elders’ alleged persecution

…Describes it as witch hunt

Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt

A group known as South South Youth Initiative (SSYI) has condemned in strong terms what it called, “the political witch hunt of some Rivers sons by the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike.”

Speaking through its National President, Comrd Imeabe Saviour Oscar Monday, at a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Port Harcourt, the group said the act of intimidating, harassing or witch-hunting some Rivers PDP elders’ for any reason is not in the interest and development of the State.

They therefore called for end to such retrogressive act.

“This act is not in the interest and development of the State. We hereby call for an end to every attempt by the Governor to destroy the fragile peace that the State is enjoying at the moment,” Comrd Oscar said.

They alleged that the current persecuted persons in the state were previously used to fight the former governor of the State, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi and wondered why a Governor that claims to love Rivers people, will turn around to ‘cause threats’ in the same State.

The group was candid that such scenario does not make for businesses to thrive. It reminded the Governor that democracy is all about different shades of opinions and interests, otherwise democracy has departed.

“The beauty of democracy is multiple and diverse interests and opinions, where these do not exist, means the opposite, dictatorship. The Governor claims that he believes in democracy, but rather does not want anyone express diverse opinion or interest. He is rather a dictator or anything worse,” the SSYI President said.

He lamented that all the model schools and primary health centres built by the previous administration in the state have dilapidated under the current Government.

The same, Oscar said goes to all the farms that hitherto created jobs for Rivers people.

The SSYI President also to a swipe on Governor Wike for sealing up businesses belonging to some Rivers sons that have created employment for the people, while he has not created any job for over seven years of his administration.

This, he said is showing to the whole world that Rivers State is not interested in allowing businesses to thrive just because of politics.

The group warned that the continued closure of the said businesses, may force them to protest and recover the State from the current leadership.

“We call on the Rivers State Governor to unseal the Nigeria Labour Congress,the filling station, lounge and the hotel. If he fails to do this within time,we will have no option than to start a forceful demand in Rivers State. We will protest and we are ready for this.”