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Oil Producing Community In Niger- Delta Accuses Palace Liason Officer, Prince Collins Oritsemeyin Edema of Impersonation
By John Susan.
A Niger- Delta Youth Group, Ugborodo Youths Development Body has described as embarrassing , unsolicited, while expressing it’s displeasure over the recent actions of Prince Collins Oritsemeyin Edema, who under the guise of speaking simultaneously for the itsekiri oil producing communities as representative of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited NNPCL and JV partners, on behalf of the highly revered monarch, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase 111, the Olu of Warri.
While condemning the act in it’s totality, the group further described the actions of Prince Oritsemeyin Edema that led to the publication in a National daily , “Vanguard Newspaper, November 28th, 2024, page 23,” over an act of sabotage carried out at Dibi/Olero/ Abiteye Trunk line as an affront , internal war declared against the itsekiri nation.
The group in a statement signed by Wilson Ejeh, and David Mammah, President and Public Relations Officer maintained that the use of Olu of Warri insignia was not only a forgery, impersonation, but a wanton desecration of the highly revered stool , which was reckless and unacceptable, stating that it is only allowable by the prerogative of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase 111, as our paramount ruler.
Accordingly, Prince Oritsemeyin Edema overstepped his boundaries with the unprecedented decisions, has no locus standi speaking for the three Warri local government areas , oil communities, as well as the itsekiri nation, stating that it is uncouth , and not agreeable.
Clarifying further, the release stated that each communities in itsekiri kingdom has its own spokesman and organs charged with handling of all its activities, including employment with international oil Companies (IOCs), saying for instance issues of employment mentioned in the address fell under the purview of Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body (UCYDB), and not under Prince Oritsemeyin Edema.
The group frowned at Prince Oritsemeyin Edema’s actions as tantamount to impersonation, stating that his appointment by the paramount ruler of itsekiri kingdom,Olu of Warri as liason officer was not covering the three Warri local government oil producing areas , and cannot speak for all the itsekiri kingdom, as it is only limited to NNPCL and not including the JV Partners as he is claiming.
They justified their position through the letter despatched to the GMD NNPCL by the monarch in respect of the appointment of Mr Collins Oritsemeyin Edema as a “Palace Liason Officer”, (PLO) was unambiguous and explicit on the roles and status attached to his engagement, stating that he had gone beyond his boundaries.
The release further states..
“RE: CHEVRON: ADDRESSING ALL LINGERING ISSUES WITH HOST COMMUNITY IS WIN-WIN FOR ALL PARTIES PUBLISHED ON PAGE 23 OF VANGUARD NEWSPAPER OF THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH, 2024.”
“We, the UGBORODO COMMUNITY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT BODY, write to express our utmost displeasure and embarrassment over the recent actions of one Prince Oritsetimeyin Edema, who claims to be “Sole Representative and Liaison to NNPCL and JIV Partners”, of our esteemed monarch, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri.”
“The open letter published in the Vanguard Newspaper of Thursday, November 28, 2024, on page 23, over the act of sabotage on the Dibi/Olero/Abiteye Trunkline, is a clear example of Prince Edema’s thoughtless, ill-conceived, and disrespectful behavior towards the entire Itsekiri nation. ”
“His use of the Olu of Warri insignia is tantamount to the desecration of the Olu’s stool, it is reckless and unacceptable.”
“This is a prerogative allowable only to His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, as our paramount ruler.”
“This action is unprecedented in the annals of history of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. Prince Edema has no locus to exercise such reckless discretion, and his claims of speaking for the oil-producing communities in the 3 (three) Warri Local Government Areas of Delta State, are uncouth and not agreeable to the Itsekiri people. ”
“Each of the Itsekiri communities has its own organs and spokesmen who handle all matters, including employment with International Oil Companies (IOCs). For instance, the issue of employment he emphasised on falls under the purview of the leadership of Ugborodo Community Youth Development Body.”
“Prince Edema cannot speak for us, and his appointment as Liaison Officer by the Olu does not give him the license to speak for the entire Itsekiri Kingdom.”
“Prince Edema’s appointment is limited to NNPCL and not JV Partners, as he claimed.
Furthermore, his letter of appointment by our revered monarch does not state that he was appointed as spokesman of the various Itsekiri communities in the 3 Warri LGAs. This is a clear case of impersonation.”
“The job scope assigned to Mr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema was explicitly stated in the letter by our esteemed monarch, titled “Letter Of Authorisation For Mr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, As Sole Representative and Liason” and dated January 31st, 2024, which was despatched to the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari.”
“In the letter, His Majesty, stated, “We bring you warm greetings from Warri Kingdom.”
“In a letter with reference number, OWP. 1111/9, and dated 2nd October, 2023, my Palace informed you of Mr. Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, as the Palace Liaison Officer to your establishment, he also serves as my sole representative until otherwise communicated.”
“In the appointment letter, Collins Edema was not assigned the mandate as the Spokesman of the various Itsekiri communities in the three Warri Local Government Areas.”
“We repeat and emphasize that Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema cannot speak for us. And we are happy that the Palace didn’t confer on him the authority to speak for us. He is merely arrogating that power to himself. ”
“To this end, We seize this medium to urge all IOCs operating in our areas to shun and disregard all correspondences from Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema regarding employment and other issues. He is on a mission for self-aggrandizement. His activities are self-seeking and self-serving. ”
“We therefore condemn Prince Edema’s actions and his attempt to justify the economic saboteurs’ actions in the fate of the ill-fated Dibi/Olero/Abiteye Trunk like.”
” His write-up is a pointer to the fact that either he knows those responsible for the heinous action or he is sympathetic to their wrong course.”
“We seize this medium to urge our respected Royal Majesty and esteemed Olu of Warri, to review the terms of engagement of Prince Edema before he further embarrasses the revered stool and sons and daughters of Iwere land.”
“It is high time to call Prince Edema to order before he damages our Royal Majesty’s enviable credibility and brings Iwere land into disrepute.”
“The security agencies must fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act of the attack on the Dibi/Olero/Abiteye Trunklike and bring them to book. ”
“We condemn the action and we make bold to demand that the criminals should not escape justice. No one should be allowed to hide under the cloak of demanding employment slots from IOCs to embark on collateral damage of the nation’s economic assets.”
“The OICs and their servicing companies must be encouraged to operate without let or hindrance in our areas. ”
“This is the way to enhance growth and development in our areas.”
“We recall the fate of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and their servicing companies during the ill-fated Warri crisis, which led to their fleeing our areas. ”
We should not allow a repeat of the sad story of the past.
Your’s faithfully,
MR. WILSON EJEH
PRESIDENT
MR. DAVID MAMAH
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PRO).
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF UGBORODO YOUTHS DEVELOPMENT BODY
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.
Amid the recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly has told both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the police that Nigerians are keenly watching their actions.
This came amid viral video of some politicians in the Kogi State mass-signing signatures purported to be that of the Senator’s constituents.
It was gathered that the Senator has already petitioned the police over the development.
However, addressing journalists on Tuesday, the National President of Arewa Youths Progressives Assembly, Shuaibu Usman, accused the INEC of always compromising the electoral process in Kogi State.
Usman, who recalled how results of the last governorship election in the state emerged even before the exercise commenced, urged the commission to redeem itself.
He said, “Kogi parades as a worst example when it comes to INEC conduct of election in Nigeria. We have not forgotten how many credible organisations, including Yiaga Africa, raised the alarm of the electoral heist that went on during the last guber election in that state.
“So, INEC has been notorious for providing a thriving ground for politicians in Kogi State to mess up the country’s electoral system.
“The same people are at it again, this time hiding under the guise of a recall process against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. With their Kogi magic, they quickly manufactured over 250,000 signatures, whereas the entire voters during the main election stood at 120,000.
“One need not be a suitsayer to know that these are the same elements who are known to be chronic election riggers, with INEC as their enablers.
“However, we must caution the INEC that this should not be business as usual; this is beyond Kogi State, so Nigerians are watching.
“We were taken aback when the INEC after announcing that the petition did not meet its requirements, returned a day after to tell Nigerians that the same petitioners have met the requirements- what a quick fix!
“The INEC must not kowtow to the whims and caprices of desperate political elements in Kogi State, as this will be resisted by Nigerians.”
Similarly, the apex Igbo group also urged the police to ensure that all those in forging the signatures of Senator Natasha’s constituents were brought to book.
According to the group, the viral videos showed known faces in Kogi State, wondering why the police were yet to effect any arrest.
“By now, we had expected that some of the perpetrators should be cooling their heels in custody or having their days in court, but it is yet to happen.
“There should be no room for compromise, the culprits, no matter how highly placed, should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
“We urge that the police should engage forensic experts to analyze those signatures before the INEC takes any further step in the said petition,” Usman further stated.