Lokpobiri Wants Democratic Rule Restored in Rivers Within 3 Months
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, has called for a review of the State of Emergency in Rivers State within three months to restore normalcy.
In an interview with newsmen in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Lokpobiri expressed concerns about the implications for democracy and Nigeria’s image, stating that Mr. President’s intention was to avert a near state of anarchy in Rivers State it is time to restore democratic rule.
He expressed discomfort with the activities of the Sole Administrator in Rivers State, adding that the Sole Administrator has exceeded his mandate, assuming the role of an executive governor and abusing power.
He questioned the decision to appoint a Sole Administrator from Calabar to oversee Rivers State, suggesting that a son or daughter of the state would have been more suitable.
While querying the appointment of persons who are not from Rivers State to very sensitive positions which according to him has plunged the state into deeper chaos especially the administrator that has no stake in the state’s well-being, he averred also that the appointment of a Chief of Staff from the North, questioning the level of empathy that can be expected in this scenario.
The IYC President further called for deep introspection towards chatting a new order on how the IjaW nation manage, and communicates its affairs, urging the people to adopt new strategy to negotiate and dialogue its interesti amongst other ethnic nationalities.
On the proposal by the Presidency to create more local council areas through the National Assembly, Lokpobiri described such a move as a welcomed development considering that Bayelsa State with only eight local council areas does not meet the constitutional requirements for a state, urging the state government to handover the rural department areas create by previous administration to the committee for consideration and approval of more LGAs for Bayelsa State.
He admonished youths to refrain from crime and criminality during this Easter festivities, instead emphasizing on the importance of reflecting on the sacrifices and resurrection of Jesus Chris.
