SSPA leader chides Wike’s critics
Akpan Umoh, Uyo
Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, one of the founding leaders of the South-South People’s Assembly (SSPA), has condemned the criticisms of political appointees from the South-South by a Northern Cleric and politicians.
Speaking with newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, Udoh said that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT was constructed during the military regime, using the Niger Delta resources.
The South-South leader said the former Governor of Rivers State, Mr Nyesome Wike, is ably qualified to be the Minister of the federal capital territory, adding that it was despicable even to conceive such an argument.
“It is wrong for us to accuse our people. The Niger Delta people did not stop the Federal Government from using the money derived from resources in our region to build Abuja.
“Therefore, we have an equal stake in the Nigerian Nation. This discriminatory remark is like placing our people as inferior to others.
“Anyone criticizing the Federal Capital Territory minister’s appointment is an enemy to the country. It is discriminatory to make such remarks,” Udoh said.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) Chieftain also cautioned the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), an offshoot of SSPA on the sweeping castigation of Wike and minister of FCT sequel to the recent political tumult in Rivers State.
He disapproved of the open reprimand, saying that as leaders of the South-South, they are expected to support and counsel their upcoming young leaders.
Udoh lauded the Rivers State Political leaders for their intervention and for informing the public on what led to the confusion instead of a perceived notion that it was directed at the governor.
Udoh reminded the leaders that the setting up of these organisations was primarily to campaign for a South-South President and protection for their people.
“Since we had achieved this through Goodluck Jonathan, who emerged as President. We should now focus on grooming upcoming leaders in the region, and then creating conflict amongst ourselves. Don’t forget.
“We also fought successfully to obtain amnesty for our youth who could only express their frustration through militancy, ” Udoh said.
Udoh advised leaders in the zone to walk together to develop the region and its people rather than engaging in verbal wars which will not augur well for the people.
He said, “South-South People’s assembly declaration and affirmation in Calabar at about 2006 led to the massive campaign for a South-South president.”
The former legislator in the second Republic, while commenting on the probable plot to oust the Governor of Rivers State which created the impasse in the area, said.
On the situation in Rivers state, Udoh urged the principal gladiators involved in the crisis to sheath their swords in response to calls by leaders in the region for an amicable resolution.
