The Ijaw Young Professionals Association underlined the need for reconciliation at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Sunday. They also emphasized that the Ijaw people owe Wike thanks for his services to the community.
The president of the association, Abiye Achepeka, highlighted Wike’s role in ensuring an Ijaw governor’s emergence, dismissing claims that Wike is anti-Ijaw. “We want to state categorically that the Federal Capital Territory Minister is not an enemy of Ijaws as he has been portrayed to be. He has always shown love towards the Ijaw people during and after his tenure as Rivers State governor,” said Achepeka.
Achepeka noted Wike’s efforts in promoting Ijaw interests during his time as governor, including appointing an Ijaw deputy governor and placing Ijaw individuals in key positions. “As Governor of Rivers State, Wike chose his deputy from Ijaw extraction, the appointment of Ijaw sons and daughters into key positions as his executive members, and further handpicking the current Rivers governor, His Excellency, Sir Sim Fubara, as his successor, goes a long way to show how much he loves the Ijaws and how balanced his leadership style flows,” he explained.
Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has continued to support Ijaw professionals through notable appointments. These include Boma Iyaye as Executive Director of Finance and Administration at NDDC, Alabo George-Kelly as Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency, and Ambassador Maureen Tamuno as Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company Limited. “Even as the Minister of FCT, Wike has given very momentous nominations/appointments to Ijaws, namely Chief Boma Iyaye, Desmond Akawor, Chief Dax George Kelly, Amb Maureen Tamuno,” Achepeka added.
Achepeka argued that these actions reflect Wike’s commitment to the Ijaw community beyond political gains. “This he did knowing that he doesn’t even need their support for any election or loyalty for personal gains as Wike is and always has been a democratic and humane leader to the core,” he statedCONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
