Politics
Sylva Preaches Ijaw Unity As Lokpbobiri Ignores Birthday Rally
Former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipire Sylva has called for unity among the Ijaw nation saying that those who thrive on the division among so-called core and non-core Ijaw must be rooted out.
Sylva spoke at a gathering of friends and associates to mark his 55th birthday in Yenagoa.
Among those present were the first All Progressives Congress, APC senator from Baylesa State, Senator Degi-Eremiyo former Deputy Governor, Werenipre Seibarugu, Hon Sunny Israel-Goli, representing Nembe-Brass federal constituency, Hon Preye Oseke, representing Southern Ijaw federal constituency among others.
However, conspicuously absent was Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the erstwhile minister of state for agriculture.
Lokpobiri who has soldiered on and off with Sylva is the main rival with the former governor for the APC governorship ticket. Lokpbobiri had in the past been reported by gwg.ng to have informed the president of his decision to seek the governorship and not be considered for a return to the federal cabinet.
But speaking at his birthday bash, Sylva was reconciliatory saying: “we all should know that the time for change has come. The time for division has also ended because as Ijaw people we must unite. We are the same people. I have travelled across the length, and breath of Ijaw land and I have seen that we are the same. So let us begin to see ourselves as one.
“Some people, who do not have any ability, only want to ride on divisions. Without division, nobody is going to listen to them so they tell you about core Ijaw, and non-core Ijaw. When those people come and talk to you tell them hunger doesn’t have core Ijaw. Poverty doesn’t see non-core Ijaw.
“It is the people that make the state. So, if you come here and neglect the people that constitute your state then you are making a big mistake. Unfortunately for us, our government has not scored very high on empowerment of our people.”
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