The Ogoni Ethnic Nationality has condemned Tuesday’s armed attack on the residence of Pastor Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as an attack on the Ogoni.

The group in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Batombari Ledogo, said it is “shocked to note from the recent happenings across the state that some undesirable elements whose intent is to maim and kill may have cashed in on the raging political situation in the state to unleash mayhem on innocent and unsuspecting citizens or at worse, perceived enemies.”

It described Pastor Needam as an illustrious Ogoni son, warning that any further attempt on his life would be regarded as a declaration of war on the Ogoni ethnic group.

The statement said: “It’s surprising that at a time our people ought to come together, reason together and close ranks against known and unknown forces whose only interest in the state is to run the state economy aground by planting seeds of discord among her citizenry, our people have inadvertently subscribed to such barbaric and alien lifestyle.

“Just this morning, Tuesday 22, 2015 did it come to our notice that the devil incarnates for the umpteenth time stormed into the Port Harcourt residence of Pastor Jerry Needam, an illustrious son of Ogoniland heavily armed, shooting at anything that caught their sight, while attempting to force their way into his living room.

“We also have it on good authority that the police that came on rescue mission from the nearby police station were equally engaged in a gun duel with the hired assassins.

“In the process, two of the police officers were killed. This is a very sad commentary on the political and social life of the Rivers people that were once known for their fear of God, respect for the sanctity of life. All this has gone with the winds, leaving our citizenry to the mercy and danger of self defense. This is very unfortunate.

“We have never hidden our passion and belief in mutual respect and peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians based on fairness, justice and equity which we have always advocated through the doctrine of non-violence in the famous Ogoni Bill of Rights.

“This does not in any way mean that the Ogonis are weak and incapable of retaliating if they are so attacked. The Ogonis have paid enough sacrifice to salvage this society and cannot afford to see or wait and watch her sons and daughters again being attacked, maltreated or slaughtered as was the case in the past for the singular reason that they are performing their official duty.

“We therefore make bold to say that the attack and attempt on the life of Pastor Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Chairman, Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is uncalled for, evil, condemnable and unacceptable to the Ogoni people.

“Anymore of such action whether directed to Pastor Jerry Needam or any other Ogoni son to us, tantamounts to a declaration of war.

“On no account should the weapons acquired by their owners for whatever reason be used to test their efficacy on an Ogoni son no matter what.

“We are therefore appealing to the good conscience of such impregnable minds who tend to lend themselves to the antics of the conscienceless and insatiable few who wish to grab and remain in charge of public affairs no matter whose ox is gored as willing tools to desist forthwith.

“Such people must be resisted because they are devilish and do not mean well for us as a people and state.

“A word they say, is enough for the wise.”

•Photo shows Pastor Needam.

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