The Ijaw Elders and Professionals Forum (IEPF) has raised concerns over what they perceive as an attempt to deceive Ijaw leaders from across the Niger Delta region, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, into attending a meeting with a hidden agenda to endorse Governor Douye Diri for a second term.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Samuel Mpigi, the IEPF characterized this planned Ijaw elders meeting as a mere endorsement charade. They have issued an alert to former President Goodluck Jonathan and other respected Ijaw leaders, urging them to refrain from participating in it.
The IEPF also stated that if the meeting proceeds as planned amid these controversies, its members will be present to closely monitor the proceedings. They emphasized that if the discussions deviate from the topic of Ijaw development and venture into endorsing specific candidates, their members will stage a walkout and publicly condemn such actions.
James said: “We have very credible reports that the Douye Diri-led prosperity administration is attempting to hold what it styles as Ijaw Leaders meeting very soon to, on the surface discuss contemporary issues concerning the Ijaw nation and its future, especially politically.
“The Ijaw Elders and Professionals forum believes that such meetings are healthy even if they occur only sporadically. The concern is the political undertones behind it.
“Our very revered and respected Ijaw leaders (including former President Goodluck Jonathan) are to be tricked into a so-called pan-Ijaw meeting only for the organizers, the Chief organizer to swiftly turn the agenda into a Douye Diri endorsement galore.
“While this is completely disrespectful for the Ijaw leaders and the respected invites on Justice Tabai and Senator Douye Diri’s list, the IEP feels this undermines and disregards the Ijaw nation as a whole.”
