The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Seriake Dickson has charged the Idoma people of Benue State to stand up in defence of the honour, pride and dignity of Idoma nation.
Gov. Dickson made this call at the weekend while addressing the council of Elders and Chiefs at the Och’Otukpa’s Palace in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
The Governor who also toured other parts of Benue South with strong delegations from Bayelsa comprising oSenators, Party leaders and traditional rulers said they were in Benue on condolences to the family of his late Commander of Escorts, Insp. Ameh Ogbeh who died few weeks ago; and to also sensitise the good people of Idoma on the dangers of exposing their territory to outsiders.
His words: “I am one of you. Many of your sons and daughters are part of what I am doing in Bayelsa State. I have Idoma people as Special Advisers, Aides, down to my domestic staff, unto whom I entrust my life. So, I am an Idoma man and whatever affects Idoma people affects me.
“I shall be back before the rerun election and I want you to know that, this is the time, when Idoma nation has to stand for itself! All of us in Nigeria are looking up to the good and powerful people of Benue South Senatorial District in this rerun election.
“We want the people of Idoma to again, do what we did in Bayelsa State. Let Idoma people take their collective destiny in their own hands. Recently in Bayelsa, we
resisted imposition from outside. We didn’t allow somebody from Abuja, Lagos or elsewhere to come and determine who leads us in our land. We did it in Bayelsa State and I’m sure Idoma people can do it here.
“This is not the time to wage war against ourselves. This is the time to protect the pride and dignity and honour of Idoma nation. Whatever it will take, I shall come back to assist people like Comrade Abba Moro and others in educating the people on how to defend their land, politically.
“I am an Idoma man and whatever touches Idoma people touches me. I have no doubt that the good people of Idoma would return Senator David Mark in the rerun election”.
Responding, the paramount Ruler of Otukpa who represented the Och’Idoma, Amb. Chief Sir. Sunday Ekele thanked the visiting Governor for his continous supports and contributions to the development of Idoma nation through the appointment of many Idoma sons and daughters into key positions in Bayelsa State Government.
In their separate remarks, member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Hassan Saleh and Special Adviser to Bayelsa State Governor on Media and Strategies, Dr. Francis Otta Agbo lauded the leadership qualities of Governor Dickson which they say, has a multiplier effects on the Idoma people and thanked him for his timely visit.
The immediate past Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro in his vote of thanks admired the patriotic defense put up by the good people of Bayelsa and promised the Idoma people would emulate them in the rerun senatorial election.
“Senator David Mark has done so much for the people and I believe this is the time for the people of Benue South to reciprocate that gesture through balloting, ” Moro stated.
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