Rivers 2015: Ogoni Urge Political Parties To Zone Governorship To Own Community

The Ogoni Leadership Forum on Sunday called on political parties to zone the 2015 Rivers governorship slot to the area.

The forum, comprising all groups, associations and politicians from the four Ogoni-speaking councils of Rivers, made the demand at a meeting in Port Harcourt.

Walter Ollor, spokesman of the forum, told journalists that the people would support parties that field Ogonis as their candidates for the governorship election.

He said since the return to civil rule in 1999, Ogoni people have not produced the governor of the state and that equity and justice demanded that the slot should be given to them in 2015.

“The people of Ogoni land will support only that political party which fields our candidate for the gubernatorial election.

“Political parties that enthrone Ogoni candidates as second fiddle office holders will not enjoy the support of Ogoni people,’’ he said.

Mr. Ollor urged other ethnic groups in Rivers to support their course because Ogonis supported them when their candidates contested elections to produce the governor of the state.

Peter Medee, President Kagote Ogoni, said the decision by the forum was a step in the right direction.

“This decision was taken in the interest of all Ogoni people and we will stand by it.

“Equity, justice and fairness demands that Ogoni people should produce the next governor of Rivers.

“Since the return to civil rule, Ogoni people have not produced the governor, deputy governor or speaker of the state house of assembly,” Mr. Medee said.

(NAN)