Rights activist and lawyer-turned-politician, Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Delta State Chairman of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP), Mr. Chukwugozie Ezeagwu, and Chief David Omoru have been identified as the leading lights of a group allegedly plotting to destabilise Delta State, South-South Nigeria.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Communications of The People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, and made available to News Express.

The statement dismissed the position of Keyamo, Ezeagwu, Omoru and others who were not identified on the performance of the Emmanuel Uduaghan-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the state, especially the allegations of oppression, intimidation and marginalisation against some leaders and ethnic groups in the state which they leveled against Uduaghan.

It said that, on the contrary, Uduaghan apart from running a government based on honesty and fairness, is also propagating peaceful co-existence through inter-ethnic capacity building among residents in the state.

“In Delta State, we have seen hopes maturing to reality. War on crime has been declared and that fight has been won. The rule of law is respected in Delta State. Public servants are properly paid. The government has put smiles on the faces of the people by executing policies and programmes that have direct impact in the lives of the people. The government has invested in education, health; sports, rural development, security and housing and the benefits are there for all to see, ” the group said.

It described Uduaghan’s performance as encouraging commended him for nurturing popular democracy, protecting life and personal liberty, pursuing justice, creating opportunities for the youths and providing meaningful developmental projects across the state as well as ensuring equity and fairness in appointment to political offices.

“For members of the Egbema Progressive Network (EPN), Egbema for Positive Change (EPC), the Isoko Action Forum and some individuals to say their people have been marginalised and oppressed by a man who runs a government that is all inclusive and all-embracing, one that excludes no one is to say the least unbelievable and mischievous ” the statement said.

Continuing, The People’s Movement said: “Uduaghan appointed some Isoko and Ijaw sons and daughters into key positions of his administration. Many schools are being built or rehabilitated, solar electricity provided, streets dualised and new roads constructed in Isoko and Ijaw areas. The Delta State University, Oleh Campus and the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro Campus are well funded by the government. Uduaghan wants to make Delta State stable and prosperous. He is moving with great zeal and vigour to make the difference.”

The group advised Ijaw indigenes in Warri North, the Urhobo leadership of the PDP in Warri South Local Government Area and members of the Isoko Action Forum to define the objectives and strategies of their political struggles more clearly than degenerating to abuses, lies and wild allegations.

It also advised those flexing muscles to bury the hatchet in the interest of the state, urging them to mend the walls of traditional affinity.

The group called on Egbema and Isoko elders at home and abroad to eschew all forms of violence.

“We have a governor with a listening ear. We have a governor that is committed to the development of the state. We have a governor that is providing responsible, accountable and transparent leadership to the people. The avenue of peaceful dialogue is still available to the youths. These times require you to use your influence to prevail on the youths to desist from this hopeless cause,” it said.

The People’s Movement urged Deltans irrespective of tribe, religion or political difference to give full support to Uduaghan’s administration to enable him complete his tenure smoothly and successfully.

•Photo: Festus Keyamo.

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