Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone has congratulated General Muhammadu Buhari, President-Elect of Nigeria over his resounding victory in the just concluded 2015 Presidential election.
Speaking to newsmen recently, Chairman of the body, Comrade Peter Timothy Igbifa described the verdict as remarkable in the history of Nigeria, adding that GMB has received the mandate to pilot the affairs of Nigeria, for the next four years.
‘The choice Nigerians made deepened our democracy and its significance will profoundly restore Nigeria’s dignity across the globe,” Igbifa intoned.
He urged the President-Elect to give the Niger Delta people a pride of place, noting that the relationship between the North and the Niger Delta, dated back in the 60s had been cordial and stable. He appealed that his cardinal programmes should include the development of the region and possibly surpass the love and kindness late President Umaru Yar’ Adua shown to the Niger Delta people by implementing enabling programmes aimed at tackling the hydra-headed backwardness in the region, before his demise.
Igbifa affirmed IYC’S support for the new leader, pointing out that GMB represents the hope of a new generation of Nigerians. He prayed that APC’S promise of change to the youths to secure and rebuild the country, create job opportunities and improve the citizen’s welfare should be taken seriously, as we solidly stand behind you to achieve success in the coming years.
“Your victory at the polls, with votes across the length and breadth of Nigeria bears witness to the acceptance of your credible records and your ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption, which is the bedrock for national rebirth, “Igbffa stressed.
The IYC chieftain also lauded former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his vision to rewrite history by standing by his words and accepting to tell Nigerians that his former party (PDP) and the Presidency is corrupt. He also commended the various roles played by OBJ by backing a Niger Delta son, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to head the federal government at the centre, saying that the rare feat is magnificent, that culminated to the principle of necessity in the country which will be too soon to forget.
He urged him to continue to display those qualities, especially in advisory role for the growth of Nigeria, stressing that his support in every government has improved the socio-economic development of the nation.
IYC and indeed the entire Ijaws say a “big thank you” for your wonderful good heart. There is an adage which says that “he who does not remember where the rain starts beating him, will not remember where he was given coverage from the rain”
“We call for your forgiveness for all the insults rendered by several Ijaw sons and daughters on you, lest we appear to be ingrates, that is why we use this platform to appeal that you forgive and forget,” the IYC boss said.
Igbifa also saluted the bravery of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as he stood above party, individual and group interest which shows his level of sportsmanship. He also appreciated Jonathan’s electoral promise to Nigerians that if he loses, he will return to Otueke his home town in Bayelsa State and swore to Nigerians that May 29th 2015 is sacrosanct. He equally appreciated the good services rendered by Jonathan to the nation and also accepting the electoral outcome in a democratic spirit.
IYC advised Jonathan to distance himself from partisan politics, because his statesmanship posture has earned him accolades from notable Nigerians as a true democrat. He also urged him not to listen to his PDP group of alarmists and sycophants advising him to follow due process by seeking legal redress, saying they do not mean well for him.
On April 11, 2015 governorship election, the IYC boss called on all Ijaws to unite and deliver their Ijaw son, Dr. Dakuku Adol-Peterside, APC candidate in Rivers State. “The PDP once said, if Jonathan wins the Presidential election, the need for Rivers State to deliver PDP at the state level is important, but as the tide has suddenly changed, there is equally the need to vote the APC at the state level since the APC controls the centre, hence Dakuku’s preference is non-negotiable,” Igbifa stated.
He said leaders should beware of sycophants who berate leadership qualities without reaching out to the grassroots, saying that if democracy must be strengthened and sustained, successful APC leaders must exhibit transparent democratic principles.
