Itsekiri Monarch, Olu of Warri Not Involved in Illegal Bunkering, Pipeline Vandalism -Aides
By Correspondent
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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