Ijaw Mothers Seek Permanent Solution To Rivers Crisis

The Ijaw Mothers’ Union has called for a permanent solution to the lingering political crisis in Rivers State.

Speaking at a press conference organised in Okrika, Rivers State, the president Ijaw Mothers Union, Mrs Doris Macdaniels said the political crisis in Rivers, if not addressed, will affect the state.

“As we reflect on our history, we must ask: Are we, as Nigerians, ready for another round of destruction in the Brac (Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River) coastal states, which produce 72% of the nation’s resources?

“Is the government prepared for the potential destruction of oil and gas facilities for the sake of one man’s political ambitions? The consequences of ignoring these issues are enormous.

“We seize this opportunity to call on our capable Governor, His Excellency Siminalaye Fubara, to develop the skills and capabilities of the Rivers youths so that they can dominate the oil and gas industry rather than being used as political thugs.

“We also thank God for using Mr President Bola Tinubu to appoint Minister Nyesom Wike to a very engaging position, which divided his attention from Rivers State.

“The Minister, as Mr Project, did an amazing job in the infrastructure of Rivers State. Please make him comfortable and give him the support to replicate his wonderful projects in FCT,” the mothers said urging the two political bigwigs in Rivers to focus on their assignments and unite Rivers people.

“We want peace, justice, and a better future for Rivers State. We will not allow the mistakes of the past to repeat themselves. We stand united as mothers, ready to protect our children and our community from the rapacious politicians threatening our peace,” the mothers said.

She said the organisation was formed by a group of mothers across the Ijaw nation, adding that the idea was to create a community where mothers from Ijaw nation could share and voice their perspectives on political, social, and economic issues.

“Most notably, the years between 2003-2009 were a very traumatic era for Ijaw mothers due to the political upheaval that displaced our children from their communities out of the necessity to address the challenges we faced during the political turmoil from 2003 to 2009.

“Today, we are full of love and joy for everybody in Rivers State and people from other regions who reside there. By the grace of God, we have forgiven ourselves and moved on,” she said.