Ogoni youths under the auspices of Ogoni Youths Development Initiative (OYDI) in conjunction with South South youths under the auspices of the South South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has advised Rivers state Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara to aviod the actions of his predecessor, whom according to them denied Rivers youths of active engagement and participation in governance.
The group gave the advice in a birthday message to the governor signed by its President, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, on Friday.
They alleged that there was no deliberate policy to empower the youths of the state within the lifespan of the previous administration.
They called on the state Governor to review his youth engagement policies.
“As youths of the state and region, we want him to use this occasion of his birthday for sober reflection and ensure that youths are equitably carried along in his administration. He should note that the administration he took over from denied Rivers youths of active engagement and participation in governance such that within the lifespan of the previous administration, there was no deliberate policy to empower the youths of the state and we pray that this birthday be used to review his youth engagement policies”.
The group said that the current battles against his government by the enemies of Rivers State should not deter him from his good intentions for the state.
“We are happy that even at this point, he is still the governor and delivering on his mandate despite the plethora of political battles he is facing.
“We are wishing him not just a happy birthday but a successful first tenure and also wished that he start and completes his second tenure like every other governor that has ruled the state.
“We wish that he maintains his good intentions for the people of the state. Rivers people and Rivers youths love him and wished that more youths engagement programmes be churned out.
“We urge him to regard the current political distraction as one of those things that come with occupying such an exalted office.
“He should also not forget that his predecessor has done this with everybody he has worked with. He’s not the first the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has projected and also fought to destroy ranging from Uche Secondus as PDP National Chairman to Sir Celestine Omehia whom he recognised despite the court verdict and later turned against him. He should also remember that Dr Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Dame Patience supported Wike to be governor of Rivers State and today, he does not have regard for same people that projected him. Also, he was supported to be chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area by Dr Peter Odili, yet Odili is one of those persons being maligned by Wike. It is in the character of Wike to act selfishly and as such Fubara should not allow himself to be distracted by such actions. Rivers youths are with him.
“Also, we want to state that now that he’s still enjoying the organic support of Rivers and South South people, he should remember that Wike is just one man and that Rivers people will back him (Fubara) up to deliver President Bola Tinubu come 2027.
“We also want His Excellency not to behaved like his predecessor who don’t believe in rewarding hardwork and commitment. He should use this celebration as a time to reward those who have been committed to the success of his administration. Bad followers leads to failure of all administrations. Let him use this occasion to reflect on his league of core supporters and ensure that they are not those who are there to spy or act as moles but people willing to ensure he succeeds.
“The primary aim of the FCT Minister is to distract him from focusing on governance and endear him to the hearts of Rivers people. If he allows such distraction, he won’t have anything to campaign with for a second tenure.
“We wish His Excellency well and congratulate him once more on his birthday”, the group stated.
