“Arrest And Prosecute Alex Eyengho, Robinson Ariyo, Chief Mene And Other Itsekiri Leaders Who Publicly Confessed Of Having Tools ( Guns And Ammunitions ) To Attack, Kill And Maim Ijaws And Urhobos Of Warri Federal Constituency Now Or Be Considered An Accomplice And A Coward” ___Freeborn Abraye Tells Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori -

By Uche Alvin

The National Coordinator of the Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ), Comrade Freeborn Abraye, has called on the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and all relevant security agencies to immediately arrest, investigate and prosecute Mr. Alex Eyengho, Mr. Robinson Ariyo, Chief Mene and other prominent Itsekiri leaders who allegedly made public statements suggesting the possession of weapons and readiness for violent confrontation in relation to the Warri Federal Constituency delineation dispute.

Comrade Abraye stated that no responsible government should ignore statements that could be interpreted as threats to public peace, security and coexistence among the various ethnic nationalities in Delta State.

According to him, if individuals publicly declare that weapons have been procured and are available for use in a political or ethnic conflict, such declarations should automatically trigger a full-scale security investigation. He stressed that allowing such statements to go unchallenged would send a dangerous signal that threats of violence have become acceptable tools in political disagreements.

“The Governor of Delta State must not remain silent while individuals openly make statements capable of inciting fear, panic and insecurity among innocent citizens. The security agencies must immediately invite, interrogate and, where evidence warrants, prosecute every person involved. No ethnic group, political interest or influential individual should be above the law.”

Abraye warned that the Warri Federal Constituency delineation issue should not be transformed into a security crisis through inflammatory rhetoric, intimidation or threats of violence.

He noted that the Ijaw and Urhobo people have consistently pursued their grievances and demands through lawful, constitutional and democratic channels, including the courts and relevant institutions of government. Consequently, any attempt by any group or individual to threaten violence, mobilize armed confrontation or create instability must be treated as a direct attack on democracy, peace and national security.

The NDAPDEJ Coordinator further stated that Governor Oborevwori’s response to the matter would determine whether his administration genuinely stands for justice, peace and the rule of law or whether it is prepared to tolerate dangerous threats capable of plunging Delta State into avoidable conflict.

“We are putting the Governor and security agencies on notice. Failure to act decisively against individuals who publicly make statements suggesting the possession and intended use of weapons for ethnic or political confrontation will amount to a dereliction of duty. It will raise serious questions about whether government authorities are willing to enforce the law without fear or favour.”

Abraye emphasized that Delta State has enjoyed relative peace over the years and must not be allowed to descend into ethnic hostility as a result of reckless utterances by political actors and community leaders.

He therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Security Adviser, the Commander of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta and other security institutions to urgently investigate the alleged statements and take all lawful measures necessary to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“The lives of we the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency are sacred. Nobody should be permitted to issue threats, boast about weapons or create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The law must take its course, and justice must be seen to be done.”

Comrade Abraye reaffirmed the commitment of NDAPDEJ to peace, justice, democratic governance and the protection of the rights of all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region.

Signed:

Comrade Freeborn Abraye
National Coordinator
Niger Delta Advocates For Peace, Development And Economic Justice (NDAPDEJ).