Ijaw Young Professionals Association(IYPA) has sued for peace in the ongoing Political crisis in Rivers State.
IYPA in an International press conference on Sunday 16th June,2024 asserted that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory(FCT) is not an enemy to Ijaw ethnic Nationality as been portrayed to be.
President of IYPA,Engr.Abiye Achepeka in the press briefing disclosed that the FCT Minister,His Execellency Nyesom Wike has always shown love towards Ijaw people, during and after his tenure as Rivers State Governor.
Engr Achepeka stated that as Governor of Rivers state,Wike chose his Deputy Governor from Ijaw extraction,also appointed Ijaw sons and daugthers into key positions as his executive members and further handpicked the current Rivers Governor,His Execellency Sir Sim Fubara as his successor which demonstrates the love he has for Ijaw people.
The President of IYPA noted that even as the Minister of FCT Abuja, Wike who has been a very democratic and humane leader, influenced very strategic appointments to Ijaws namely Chief Boma Iyaye,Chief Dax George Kelly,Amb.Maureen Tamuno etc despite the fact that he does not need their support for any election or loyalty for personal gains.
He revealed that the group which is apolitical, in their last meeting,has set up a committe that will mediate between Governor,Sim Fubara and FCT Minister,Nyesom Wike.
Engr Achepeka further said “We want to remind all Ijaws that in 2023 amidst the disunity of the Ijaws in PDP Rivers state,the former Governor could have used the crisis as an excuse to pick his successor from any other ethnic group,yet he did what was noble and sacrificial for a balanced Governance in our state.
“We use this medium to remind the Governor of the state that while his economic recovery plan is fantastic,it could only be possible to woo investors into Rivers State when there is peace and therefore,urge him to toll the path of peace and unity as this is the only way Rivers state can experience rapid and stable development”.
Another member of IYPA,Fred Iyaye urged groups in Ijaw ethnic nationality to see how to make peace rather than aggravate the crisis.