By Njamanze Fidel
Prominent leaders in Sapele Local Government Area on Friday condemned the unprovoked attack on the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, describing him as a politician with a conscience.
They also identified the speaker’s rising profile, particularly his
emergence as a major figure in the state, his dogged commitment to
principles in the practice of politics, the rule of law and the best
democratic tradition of fairness and justice as attributes that
brought him into collision with the enemies of democracy and
development in Sapele Local Government Area.
“Chief Monday Igbuya has done Okpe kingdom proud. He has respect for the Almighty God and passion for the people. He is against forms of behaviors that are alien to or subversive of the rule of law” the leaders said in Amukpe.
In a meeting on how Sapele could be re-engineered to greater heights, the leaders not only accused some non-indigenes of putting personal interest above those of the people and the local government area but refuted some of the distractions spewing from unguarded quarters in Okirighwe, saying those behind them do not wish Okpe kingdom well.
“Our detractors are already at work” they said.
The leaders in a statement by the Chairman of Sapele Development Forum (SDF), Dr. Michael Asaboro berated those blackmailing the speaker.
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“Mister Speaker should not be a subject of undue attack. He should be supported and applauded in his quest to bring about economic and social development in Delta State, particularly Sapele-Okpe community. We ask blackmailers to look for cheap targets elsewhere” the statement said.
The leaders who also condemned some misleading stories sponsored by the enemies of the area to push their selfish agenda and justify
unrealistic conclusions about Igbuya and Sapele people praised the
Delta State Speaker for providing through private and public
initiatives the necessary environment for the development of the
youths
“Sapele has never had it so good in terms of provision of amenities
and infrastructure” the leaders said.
They also praised the astute politician for making Delta State,
particularly Okpe kingdom proud by his achievements in politics.
They leaders advised non indigenes in Sapele to define the objectives
and strategies of their political struggles more clearly than
degenerating to thuggery, abuses, lies and wild allegations.
“Leaders at whatever level must demonstrate a certain degree of
decency and exemplary conduct. Desperate politicians, those without ideas and popular goodwill are running away from real issues and resorting to character assassination and personal abuse. These people are not united by the common desire to move Sapele forward but to bring down Igbuya and his unprecedented record of performance” the leaders said.
They appealed to those generating rumours and spreading lies at home and abroad to join hands with Igbuya in the onerous task of moving the area forward.
The leaders called on the youths to emulate the virtues of Igbuya by
pursuing peace, progress and development.
“Chief Igbuya will continue to incur envy, malice and hatred from
those who see perfidy as a virtue in politics” the leaders said”
