By Becky Momodu
Concerned Rivers People (CRP) has raised concerns over alleged clandestine political meetings involving former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Joy Nunieh, and two other political figures, Gabriel Pidomson and Dumo Lulu-Briggs.
The group alleged that the meetings were aimed at strategising against the emerging Rainbow Coalition, but insisted that such moves would not derail the coalition or prevent what it described as the will of the people from prevailing.
The allegations were contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Publicity Secretary of CRP, Sunny Nwagbo.
According to Nwagbo, information available to the group indicated that a meeting involving Nunieh, Pidomson and Lulu-Briggs was held at the former NDDC boss’s residence, where they allegedly discussed strategies against the Rainbow Coalition.
CRP also alleged that another meeting was scheduled to take place at Heliconia Park Hotel along the Eastern Bypass.
The group warned those allegedly involved in the meetings against relying on what it described as “backdoor politics” to undermine the Rainbow Coalition.
“Let it be known, the Rainbow Coalition has come to stay. These clandestine meetings and backdoor politics will not stop the will of the people; their plans will totally fail,” Nwagbo said.
CRP further criticised Nunieh, suggesting that she may have forgotten the political challenges and circumstances surrounding her tenure as NDDC Managing Director.
The group claimed that Nunieh had previously faced situations in which her political and personal safety were allegedly at risk, and warned that it would make further disclosures concerning the matter.
“It’s sad that human memory is so short when it comes to political matters. If Nunieh has forgotten, we will soon uncover details and let posterity pass a verdict,” the statement added.
CRP maintained that the Rainbow Coalition remained firmly established and would not be deterred by alleged political manoeuvring or private meetings.
However, the allegations contained in the CRP statement could not be independently verified as of press time. Nunieh, Pidomson and Lulu-Briggs were not quoted as responding to the allegations.