Rivers First Movement (RFM) Director-General Resigns, cites Confusion and Departure from Founding Vision

A prominent Niger Delta Youth leader and pro-democracy advocate, Maobuye Nangi Obu, has resigned his position and membership of the Rivers First Movement (RFM), citing what he described as confusion and a departure from the original vision and objectives of the organisation.

Obu, who served as the pioneer Director-General of the Rivers First Movement, said his decision followed what he considered prolonged inactivity, internal challenges and a gradual deviation from the strategic direction upon which the socio-political organisation was founded.

In his resignation letter addressed to the Board of Trustees (BoT) and the founder of the RFM, Hon. Gabriel Pidomson (the Rivers State Governorship Candidate of the ADC), Obu expressed disappointment over the inability of the organisation to translate its initial vision into a sustained political and civic engagement platform capable of mobilising patriotic Rivers people around the collective aspiration for a better state due to the tribal/ethnic posture of the Rivers State ADC Governorship Candidate.

According to him, he joined hands with the founder (the Rivers ADC Governorship Candidate) and other stakeholders with the expectation of building a credible, broad-based and transformative platform that would provide Rivers people, particularly the younger generation, with an alternative avenue for political participation and leadership.

Obu said that, as pioneer Director-General, he was particularly committed to developing a well-structured organisation with clear programmes, grassroots mobilisation strategies and a coherent political roadmap capable of galvanising citizens across the state’s political, ethnic, professional and generational divides.

He, however, said he was eventually confronted with what he described as a disappointing reality, alleging that the organisation’s activities became increasingly affected by tribal, nepotistic, parochial interests, personal considerations and what he characterised as “petty egoistic attitudes.”

The former RFM Director-General alleged that the founder and some of his close associates and kinsmen gradually departed from the carefully designed structure and strategic plan intended to position the movement as a pragmatic vehicle for political and social transformation in Rivers State.

Rather than concentrating on building the organisation, expanding its membership base and strengthening its grassroots structures, Obu alleged that attention, resources and energy were increasingly being directed towards activities and interests that, in his assessment, did not advance the original objectives of the movement.

He said the situation became particularly troubling because the RFM, in his view, had the potential to emerge as a formidable platform for mobilising Rivers people around issues of good governance, accountability, development, youth inclusion and responsible political leadership.

Obu explained that his resignation was not an impulsive decision, but the outcome of several attempts to address what he perceived as the growing challenges within the organisation.

He said he repeatedly drew the attention of the Rivers ADC Governorship Candidate to the areas where he believed the movement was losing focus and urged that corrective measures be taken to restore the organisation to its original path.

According to him, despite those efforts, the situation did not improve sufficiently to warrant his continued participation, leaving him with no option but to throw in the towel.

While expressing appreciation to the stakeholders for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of the Rivers First Movement, Obu said his resignation should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from the struggle for a better Rivers State.

The immediate past Secretary-General of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, stressed that his commitment to the progress, unity, peace and development of Rivers State remains unwavering, adding that he would continue to participate in efforts aimed at promoting good governance, democratic values, youth participation and responsible leadership.

Obu further stated that he would explore other available platforms and opportunities through which he could continue to contribute to the political and socio-economic advancement of the state.

The youth leader also announced his withdrawal from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), wishing the party well in its political and electoral pursuits.