Aides to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III are
defending him against the allegation of “illegal bunkering and pipeline
vandalism” leveled against his company.
In a recent viral video, the young monarch’s company
was accused of illegal crude oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, but some
loyalists of Ogiame III have rebuked the authors of the allegation.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Shola Mese condemned the
viral video which he said was designed to malign the reputation of the Olu of
Warri.
Mese, stressed that, “persons behind the video, which
erroneously linked the monarch to illegal oil bunkering activities and
promotion of ethnic strife in the Niger Delta, will be unmasked and a case of
criminal defamation of character will be instituted against them.”
Mese, called on Barr. Esimaje Awani, to redeem himself
“partially” from sponsors of the controversial video by doing a rebuttal.
Similarly, the representative of the Olu of Warri to
NNPCL/JV Partners, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, has said that, greed and
economic interest of bad elements is responsible for the disparaging video
which was designed to undermine the integrity of Ogiame Atuwatse III.
Edema, made his statement in Warri, Delta State,
yesterday, Monday February 3, during a press conference. He described the video
as an attack on the Warri Monarch and integrity of the Itsekiri Nation.
He called on government to as a matter of urgency,
direct security agencies to investigate sponsors of the video, so as to bring
them to justice.
“We stand before you today to address a deeply
troubling and unfounded allegation directed at our revered monarch, His
Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, The Olu of Warri, a steadfast advocate for
peace, unity, and sustainable development.
“False claims have surfaced, suggesting that a company
under His Majesty’s chairmanship is sponsoring the vandalization of oil and gas
pipelines/illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
“This accusation is not only false but a deliberate
act of blackmail aimed at tarnishing the image of a king who has dedicated his
reign to fostering peace, economic prosperity, and social progress for the
Itsekiri people and the entire Niger Delta.
“This is not just an attack on our monarch but an
attack on the integrity of the Itsekiri Nation. The Itsekiri people have always
played a crucial role in the stability and economic advancement of Nigeria.
“These allegations seek to undermine not only our
king’s reputation but also the contributions of our people. Such falsehoods
will not be tolerated, and we demand an immediate retraction,” Mese said.
He added that, “…the Itsekiri Nation has a
long-standing reputation for excellence, trade, diplomacy, and contribution to
national development.
“Throughout history, the Itsekiri people have played
an instrumental role in shaping the economic and political landscape of
Nigeria.
“As a people deeply connected to commerce and
governance, the Itsekiri have continuously worked towards national unity and
economic prosperity.
“For decades, our lands have hosted major oil
installations, export terminals, and refineries, contributing significantly to
Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“Despite facing various challenges over the years, the
Itsekiri people have chosen the path of peace and progress.
“His Majesty has always embraced dialogue, mediation,
and cooperation with governmental agencies, private investors, and local
communities to ensure the continued prosperity of the Niger Delta.”
According to him, the “false allegations” are not just
an insult to His Majesty but “an affront to the Itsekiri Nation as a whole.
Accusing a people who have given so much to Nigeria’s economic stability of
sabotage is both unjust and unacceptable.”
Ogiame aide stressed that, the “recent claims that a
company associated with His Majesty is involved in acts of pipeline
vandalization/illegal oil bunkering are a dangerous attempt to mislead the
public. This smear campaign is designed to create unnecessary tension, divide
communities, and undermine the progress made in stabilizing the Niger Delta.”
Mese pointed out that “the falsehoods” was designed to
destabilize the already fragile trust between communities and key stakeholders
in the oil and gas sector.
He warned that, “…the Itsekiri people will not be
intimidated.
“The Itsekiri people have a proud history of
resilience, unity, and courage. We have weathered many storms and have always
emerged stronger. These baseless allegations will not break our spirit or
weaken our resolve.
“We will not be intimidated into silence. We will not
allow lies to overshadow the truth.
“We remain steadfast in our support for our monarch,
whose leadership continues to bring peace and development to Warri Kingdom and
the entire Niger Delta.
“Let it be known that the Itsekiri Nation stands
united against this injustice. Those who seek to divide us with falsehoods will
not succeed. Truth will always prevail over deception,” the aide to Olu of
Warri warned.
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