Epie-Attisa youths won’t accept imposition of Urhobo governor on Bayelsa

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Mr Precious Odede, an Epie-Attisa Youth leader and the leader of the New Generation Youths in Yenagoa says there is a plot to impose an Urhobo governor on Bayelsa come 2028.

The youth leader who vowed to resist the plot raised the alarm over what he describes as Gov Douye Diri’s ‘body language’ which ‘suggests’ he is propping up his deputy, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo to replace him.

Odede spoke to newsmen on Sunday in Yenagoa.

“The body language from Creek Haven is that the baton might be passed to the deputy governor Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo if Diri were to win.

“While Bayelsa State is a state for all and we are adjudged the most hospitable state in Nigeria, the torch of leadership hasn’t passed within all the clans of Ijaw land for us to begin considering those not captured under the Izon Ibe tree.

“As an Oguan (Epie-Atisaa) Youth, it worries me sometimes that no Epie-Atissa man has been governor or deputy in this state. Non from Kolga and Ekeremor. A Nembe man, for instance, has never been governor.

“There are other areas within the Ijaw ethnic nationality in Bayelsa who are yet to ascend to Creek Haven so these speculations are honestly unfair.

“We still have a guber poll in front of us so it is even preposterous to start talking post-November 11. Bayelsa State is a homogenous Ijaw State and it will remain that way as long as we have a healthy, functioning democracy.

“We are not a conquered people or a sold-out people,” Odede noted

Odede called on the people of Bayelsa to anticipate a smooth governorship election come November 11 and assured that the wishes of the people will stand this time, as the Supreme Court cannot disenfranchise the people of Bayelsa again.