Amidst alleged plots by some Abuja-based politicians to create tension in Rivers State in a bid to trigger a declaration of emergency rule, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers state, KAGOTE, yesterday warned youths of the area to shun violence, avoid mischief-makers, and steer clear of being used as political guinea pigs.
KOGOTE while urging the youths of Ogoni to stay safe during this period of the dreaded coronavirus noted that the warning has become necessary following reports of alleged plans to master-mind a declaration of state of emergency in Rivers state.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt by Hon Emmanuel Deeyah, President of KAGOTE, the body urged Ogoni youths not to allow themselves to be used to cause panic in any part of the state. Hon Deeyah, a two-time former member of the House of Representatives said the reports are not only disturbing but they equally call for caution on the part of citizens.
He said: “This is not only disturbing but calls for caution on the part of the citizens of the state, particularly Ogoni, as our area has been mentioned as one of the places targeted for such a sinister plan.
“It has become clear to all of us that we are fighting a global pandemic albeit a war that not only threatens our existence as an individual but also our co-existence as a people.
“Therefore, our people must ensure not to play into the hands of mischief makers who want to cash in on this COVID 19 to cause unnecessary tension in Rivers state because of politics and self-interest. This is one time that both the state and federal government should work together and start looking at options available to us as a people beyond COVID 19.”
He further warned that it is time to put politics aside and come together as Rivers state people in the interest of the people of the state
“Rivers people and indeed Ogoni youth should bear in mind that party politics will come and go but we will remain Rivers because this is our state, we have no other states to call ours and we have nowhere else to run. Hence, we must not allow others to use us for their selfish political interest. We should not put politics before the interest and well-being of rivers people but Rivers State before any other interest including politics. We should support governments to ensure we win this war together,” he added.
It would be recalled that the state government through its Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, had in a statement alleged plots by some Abuja-based politicians to create tension in the state in a bid to trigger a declaration of emergency rule.
Also, recall that Rivers state has been in the news over some contentious issues lately. These issues arose from the decision of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike to demolish two hotels in the state, and order the arrest of a Caverton Offshore Support Group Helicopter crew for violating COVID-19 lockdown protocols which prohibit hotel operations, forbid unauthorized inter-state movement and disallow inter-state logistical operations.
