A Television Producer and the Founder of Progressive Alliance Movement (PAM), Mr Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, weekend, called on Itsekiri political leaders to use their influence, contact and wealth to attract development to Iwere Nation and to emulate past Itsekiri political leaders.
In an interview in Warri, Mr Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, son of Nigerian first Finance Minister, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, decried what he described as “Fighting over unimportant issues” by Itsekiri political leaders.
He said that;”It so sad that our so called politicians are always good at fighting over unimportant issues, rather than fighting for important things that will bring joy to our people. Our political leaders should use their positions for the betterment of our people”.
According to him also;”Some Itsekiri political leaders got to top of Delta political positions and failed to do the needful for our land . But we had some leaders in the past who were not Chiefs and not as wealthy as some of our present day political leaders, but did alot for the Iwere land and we still remember them up till now for the little they did”.
“Alfred Rewane , Festus Okotie-Eboh were young Itsekiris who tried their best for our land and they put the interest of Itsekiri first. The late Joe Ayomike also cared for our people, putting the interest of Itsekiri first. The truth must be told, our Ijaws neighbours and the people of Isoko have used their little political opportunity to attract development to their land. They have higher Institutions, beautiful Stadium and other developmental projects. But what do we have in Iwere Nation? The Iwere College is standing on one leg. Meanwhile, Itsekiri political leaders are using all their strength to fight over traditional titles and instigating Itsekiri sons against one another for personal gains”, Mr Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, a farmer said.
He added that;”If we cannot use a Bulldozer to clear our big jungle, is it a Cutlass that we can use? I will appreciate if our current Itsekiri political leaders can attract development to our land for the sake of our future generations. The time has come for Itsekiri political leaders to use their influence, contact and wealth to attract unprecedented development to Iwere Nation and they should stop dragging our respected Crown into politics. It should not be attempted at all. We need leaders who will put their tribe and country first not self because that is what we are seeing today. We need to change”.
