2015: Ex-militants caution ‘New PDP’ against stopping Jonathan

SEPTEMBER 6, 2013 

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

SOME former militants in the Niger Delta have cautioned the ‘New Peoples Democratic Party’ and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi against stopping President Goodluck Jonathan from having a second term in office.

The ex-fighters, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital,  on Thursday, expressed anger over the emergence of a new PDP, adding that the development was targeted at preventing Jonathan from being re-elected in 2015.

The ex-militants who spoke under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative, described the action of the breakaway politicians in the new PDP as a ‘dissident act.’

National President of the group, ‘General’ Reuben Wilson, a.k.a Pastor, who signed the statement with three other former militant leaders said that they would adopt lawful means to stop those fighting against Jonathan’s second term bid.

The statement read in part, “Niger Delta freedom fighters, who have now regrouped under the aegis of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative are angry with the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi and the break-away members of the Peoples Democratic Party for their dissident act, which is targeted at preventing President Goodluck Jonathan from being re-elected in 2015.

“We will adopt every available lawful means to stop those who are fighting against the second term agenda of the President. As former freedom fighters in the Niger Delta, we are aware that oil production figures have risen appreciably because we accepted the amnesty agenda of the administration in which Mr. President was a key player in his capacity as Vice President at that time, and now as President.

“But because oil revenues have appreciated, all sections of the country have got some good revenue for their states. Unfortunately, these funds are being used for deadly and selfish political fights that are not in the best interest of the country.”

They accused members of the new PDP of working against the interest of the Nigerian masses and working to smear the character of the President.

They added, “The gladiators are all out to smear the character and person of Mr. President and ensure that he does not enjoy a re-election in 2015 so that they can take charge and continue to enslave us as was the case for decades.

“We will not fold our arms and watch a section of the country which believes that it is their birthright to rule Nigeria to chase Mr. President out of office. If their argument is that he is not performing, it would have been understood.”

Others who signed the statement are Henry Binidodogha (Edo), Granville Ideye (Rivers) and Ezekiel Akpasibewei (Delta State).

Reacting, the Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, Mr. Tony Okocha, said the ex-militants were wrong in concluding that the President was being prevented from vying and winning the 2015 election.