SAN FRANCISCO, January 22, (THEWILL) – A socio-cultural group, the Ijaw Justice Forum, on Wednesday told President Goodluck Jonathan that his perceived fueling of the crisis in Rivers State was denting his character and the exemplary political achievements recorded over the years.
In a statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, shortly after a meeting and signed by its President, Mr. Tom Douglas, the Forum observed that unfolding events were making the President unpopular across the country, stressing that if not checked; Jonathan will become more unmarketable in his bid for re-election.
The Forum attributed its position to the manner in which the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, was mishandling simple assignment of ensuring the removal of Governor Chibuike Amaechi; which he assured would be effected within three months.
It lamented that the Minister has failed despite a blank cheque granted him towards guaranteeing hundred percent votes, for President Jonathan from Rivers State in 2015.
“The President has given Wike every support, including the nomination of Rivers people into Federal Offices, control of the Commissioner of Police, and the PDP structure as well as strangulating the Amaechi’s administration financially and otherwise, yet no tangible result, except the denting of Jonathan’s image,” the statement said.
While emphasizing that the foregoing was an indication that Wike lacks the capacity to galvanise support for Project 2015, the Forum urged the President not to succumb to the Minister’s plan “B” which is focus on achieving a declaration of state of Emergency in Rivers.
It stated that the rating of Jonathan in the international community has dropped tremendously as a result of the Rivers State situation, insisting that allowing Wike to whip-up thuggery and militancy as a last resort would further bury the image of Mr. President.
“Even if we decide to rig in 2015, it must be with the consent of the people,” it said, advising that in the present circumstances, reconciliation with Governor Amaechi is the way out.
