The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has denied the widely circulated media reports that Ijaws in Rivers State have endorsed the second term ambition of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
The refutation was part of a statement signed by the Spokesman of the IYC, Daniel Dasimaka.
The Spokesman stated that at no time did the Ijaws in Rivers State meet to discuss and decide the endorsement of any Politician. Thus the report that Ijaws in Rivers State have endorsed Governor Wike is wrong and misleading.
Dasimaka said: “For the sake of absolute clarity, let it be stated that the IYC, whose Boro Day procession is said to be the occasion where the Governor was endorsed, is not a Political group and therefore could not have endorsed anyone for the 2019 Governorship election in Rivers State.
“So the personal endorsement of the Governor by our elders should not and must not be construed and announced as the views of the generality of Ijaws in Rivers State which the IYC Eastern Zone represents.
” Therefore, the said endorsement is the personal endorsement of the leaders mentioned in the report.
” As eminent Ijaws, they have every right to endorse anyone they deem fit but that is in their private capacity and not in the name of Ijaws in Rivers State, IYC or the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
” For the records, only the National Spokesman of the IYC or INC could make a definitive declaration on behalf of the Ijaw nation after due consultations from every quota.
Dasimaka maintained that although the IYC recognises the strides of Governor Wike, the umbrella body of Ijaw youths is not a political organisation that could endorse anyone.
The IYC also thanked the Governor for his warm reception during the Boro Day Procession party and for his promise to remain steadfast in the protection of the interests of the people of Rivers State and the Niger Delta in general.
