Rivers crisis: MOSIEND urges politicians to sheath their swords

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta Region (MOSIEND) has urged politicians of Rivers extraction to sheath their swords and support Gov Siminialayi Fubara for the development of the state.

MOSIEND, a socio-cultural pressure group focused on Ijaw interests noted that the call follows the political crisis in Rivers between the Executive and the Legislature.

Mr Kennedy Tonjo-West, National President of MOSIEND made the call in an interview with journalists on Sunday in Yenagoa.

The group advised the political class not to divide the state for selfish interests, but rather rally around Gov Fubara for the enthronement of peace and development across the state.

MOSIEND appealed to the elders and youths of the state to close ranks with the governor for the socio-economic transformation of the state.

Tonjo-West said the political differences if any between the governor and the legislature will make them understand themselves better and grow stronger in the governance of the state.

“Yes the crisis will make them understand themselves better and grow stronger politically and chart a positive course to developing the state and the region at large”, Tonjo-West said.

MOSIEND frowned at the burning of some sections of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) by some supporters of either side of the contending groups and called on any aggrieved party to imbibe the attitude of tolerance, forgiveness and remember that they are in one team to transform Rivers state and Niger Delta for the good of all.

“We condemned the destruction of any public property situated anywhere in the state and the recent burning of the RSHA complex by whoever the politicians hired to perpetuate this dastardly act. The complex and every other public property is built by taxpayers and they do not belong to the individuals they are fighting for or against.

“To rebuild the complex, it will take huge sums of money from the taxpayers’ money which could have been channelled to other areas of development in the state.

“Let the tenets of separation of power be respected by all, because that is the spirit of democracy,” The MOSIEND leader said.

Tonjo-West further admonished Rivers youths to shun violence and desist from being used by politicians to foment troubles but chart a positive course to enhance peace and unity in the state. The Ijaw leader explained that the interest of the state is paramount and should override any individual pecuniary gains, adding that the parties should not allow crisis merchants to cash in into the situation and escalate it.