KAGOTE REMAINS AN APOLITICAL, NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION: DISMISSES PURPORTED ENDORSEMENT OF ANY GUBERNATORIAL OR ANY CANDIDATE FOR THAT MATTER IN THE FORTH COMING ELECTIONS
The attention of the Apex Socio-Cultural Organization of Ogoni People, KAGOTE, has been drawn to a statement on radio captioned, “KAGOTE IN DIASPORA ENDORSES GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE SEN. MAGNUS NGEI ABE FOR RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR”, and purportedly signed by one Chief Edo Keaniabarido, who parades himself as Chairman, KAGOTE, USA & UK.
In a statement today in Port Harcourt, KAGOTE President, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Nwiika Deeyah, disassociated the organization from the purported endorsement.
Rt. Hon. Deeyah described the statement as not only myopic, unimaginative and lacking foresight but the handiwork of a faceless, audacious, stark and anonymous entity and individual bent on causing disaffection among the peace loving people of Ogoni and to a large extent the entire Rivers State.
Rt. Hon. Deeyah said KAGOTE as the Apex Socio-Cultural Organization of Ogoni People in the four LGAs of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme remains one and indivisible organization, without any affiliate body either within or outside the shores of Nigeria.
He described the so called Chief Edo Keaniabarido as a political jobber and mischief maker, bent on seeking relevance and fomenting trouble amongst the people of Ogoni and other ethnic nationalities in the State.
KAGOTE, he said, is and has always remained apolitical and non-partisan from inception, and would not allow itself to be dragged into unnecessary partisanship or making statements capable of portraying the organization outside its stated constitutional provisions and objectives.
Rt. Hon. Deeyah also reaffirmed the position of KAGOTE which has always been not to support, endorse or canvass for votes on behalf of any of the contestants in the on-going political activities and campaigns in the State; rather it would continue to play her role as a neutral ombudsman by offering genuine and honest advice and admonitions to politicians across party lines. However Members are free to associate, support or vote for any candidate or party as individuals.
Membership of KAGOTE is not open to all and sundry, it is usually and strictly on invitation, at the attainment of a certain level in public service government or private life, the said Keaniabarido has not, to the knowledge of the previous or present leadership of KAGOTE attained such height, as such not fit for enlistment not to talk of being a leader, Hon. Deeyah therefore urged the discerning public to ignore the said radio announcement.
He warned Keaniabarido Edo to steer clear of KAGOTE and its activities, adding that the people of Ogoni are wise enough to make their choices without coercion from faceless and clandestine individuals or faceless non-existent organizations.
Rt. Hon. Deeyah urged all Ogoni sons and daughters who have tickets of the various parties contesting for different offices whose constituencies fall within and outside Ogoni and non-Ogonis too to go about their campaign activities without let or hindrance.
Obele-Chu
Publicity Secretary
KAGOTE
20th February 2023.
