By NATHAN NWAKAMMA

Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta Region (MOSIEND) has urged politicians in Rivers to sheathe their swords and support Gov. Siminialayi Fubara for the development of the state.

National President of MOSIEND, Mr Kennedy Tonjo-West, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Yenagoa.

Tonjo-West said that the call by MOSIEND, an Ijaw socio-cultural pressure group, was sequel to the crisis between the executive and the legislature in Rivers.

He warned the political class against dividing the state for their own selfish interests but to rally round the governor for the enthronement of peace and development across the state.

Tonjo-West appealed to the elders and youths in the state to close ranks with the governor for the socio-economic transformation of the state.

He said that the political differences, if any, between the governor and the legislature would make both parties to understand each other better and grow stronger in the governance of the state.

“Yes, the crisis will make them understand themselves better and grow stronger politically and chart a positive course toward developing the state and the region at large,” he said.

Tonjo-West frowned at the burning of some sections of the state House of Assembly by supporters of either side of the contending groups.

He called the warring parties to imbibe the attitude of tolerance and forgiveness, and remember that they were in together in the business of transforming the state and the Niger Delta region for the good of all.

“We condemn the destruction of any public property in the state and the recent burning of the House of Assembly by whoever the politicians might have hired to perpetuate the dastardly act.

“The complex and other public property were built with tax payers’ money and they do not belong to whoever they might be fighting for or against.

“To rebuild the complex, it will take huge sums of money from the tax payers’ money, which could have been channelled to other areas of development in the state.

“Let the principle of separation of power be respected by all because that is the spirit of democracy,” he said.

The MOSIEND national president urged the youth in the state to shun violence and desist from being used by politicians to foment troubles, adding that they should chart a positive course to enhance peace and unity in the state.

Tonjo-West, who stated that the interest of the state was paramount and should override any individual pecuniary gain, urged the opposing parties not to allow those he called crisis merchants to cash-in on the situation and escalate it. (NAN)