The Foundation for Human Rights And Anti-Corruption Crusade (FHRACC) has stated that the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality through the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli presented a baseless and confusing demand to the Federal Government when he allegedly claimed that they are the owners of Okerenkoko community where the nation’s Maritime University is situated.
In a statement signed and made available to DAILY POST, FHRACC National President, Alaowei Cleric Esq described the claim by the Itsekiri nation as an ” unnecessary detraction” stressing that it is an agenda designed to cause crisis between the Gbaramatu Ijaws and the Itsekiri people.
Cleric noted that Itsekiris are on hand with the enemies of the region to deny the Niger Delta people of their right to development.
Cleric opined that the Olu of Warri should not have joined his subjects in the vexatious claims against the Gbaramatu Ijaws, pointing out that there is no basis for it.
In his words,”That is a clear aberration of his position as a member of PANDEF. We are quite aware that the Olu of Warri during his coronation promised that he will use his reign to promote inter-ethnic cohesion and harmony among ethnic groups in the region, especially in Delta State.
”His position on the Maritime University issue is averse to his promised peace. Let us shun act that will take us back to our red letter days. Those Itsekiri-based non-governmental organisations that are denouncing PANDEF as the umbrella body to represent the region in the proposed dialogue should also have a rethink.
”We have no better platform to agitate for our right other than the united forum of the ethnic nationalities in the region. As it stands, PANDEF is that forum which has membership of prominent Itsekiri Leaders.
”We are calling on the Movement for the Protection of Iwere Homeland and the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT) to rescind their self-seeking moves. It will not do the region any good if we begin to exchange banters, while we have a common enemy to confront.
”We believe that history can remind the Itsekiri people of what happened to the Ijaws, the Itsekiris, the Isokos and the Urhobos in 1991 during the creation of Delta State. Let us avoid the 1991 mistake in Delta State.”
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