The South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) on Wednesday expressed dismay over the recent reconciliation meeting led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike with Governor Siminialaye Fubara, concerning the political crisis in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by its National president, Comr. Imeabe Saviour Oscar, the group condemned the meeting, describing it as an insult to the collective sensibility of Rivers people and political hypocrisy of the highest order.
The statement read; “We condemn in its entirety this kangaroo reconciliation meeting that seeks to reconcile Rivers people without returning the Executive Governor of Rivers State to enjoy his constitutional second tenure in peace.
“This is nothing but a slap on our democratic process and an insult to the collective sensibility of Rivers people who came out en masse to vote for their Governor.
“We wish to ask Barr. Nyesom Wike and his co-travellers: What manner of reconciliation is that which does not restore democratic order? What manner of peace meeting is that which rewards the aggressor and punishes the mandate of the people?
“Let us remind Rivers people and Nigerians of history:
“When Barr. Nyesom Wike was Governor of Rivers State for eight years, despite the high level of humiliation, hardship, and outcry from Rivers people over his style of governance, he was still allowed to complete his second tenure uninterrupted. Nobody truncated his government. Nobody declared his seat vacant. Nobody sponsored impeachment against him despite all the public complaints.
“Why then is the same man who enjoyed the grace of completing his two tenures now leading a plot to deny another Rivers son the right to enjoy his own constitutional tenure?
“This is political hypocrisy of the highest order and a dangerous precedent for our democracy.
“Rivers State is not a personal estate of any man. Rivers State belongs to Rivers people. The mandate given to the Executive Governor was given by Rivers people, not by Barr. Wike, and only Rivers people can take it back through the ballot.
“We therefore call on Mr. President, the leadership of the National Assembly, and all well-meaning Nigerians to see this kangaroo arrangement for what it is – a grand plot to undermine democracy in Rivers State and hold our state to ransom.
“We stand with the Constitution.
We stand with the mandate of Rivers people.
We stand for the return of peace through true justice, not through imposed reconciliation.
“Rivers State must be allowed to be governed in peace”.
