Let’s put palace issue aside, fight for Itsekiri – Chief Emami tasks Ekpoto

Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State and Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has tasked APC Candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Mr. Ekpoto Ekpoto Emmanuel, to join him in fighting the Itsekiri course and put “palace issue aside”.

Chief Emami, handed down the task Sunday August 28, at his Palatial home in Ubeji, Warri, Delta State, when the APC Candidate, Mr. Ekpoto Ekpoto Emmanuel, led his supporters on a consultative visit to him.

Video Clip of Consultation Visit

The Warri South-West APC leader, who became apparently emotional over insinuations doubting his unalloyed dedication to the development of Itsekiri Nation, averred: “As you (referring to Ekpoto) know, I fight for reasons. I love Itsekiri issues a lot, don't know how many people love the tribe more than I do. I want to recall how I fought for the rebuilding of Ode – Itsekiri, after the Warri Crisis. I called all of us that did contract in EGTL. I told them, let’s rebuild Ode - Itsekiri, particularly the palace and hall. Only one person listened to me. One of the regards I have for then Governor Uduaghan (Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan) was the tarring of internal roads in Ode - Itsekiri, after he was amazed by my re - building efforts.

A Cross Section of APC faithful present, during the visit

“When I was in PDP, I served two governors (Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan). I was the first person to publish against Ibori, that he wasn’t doing enough for Itsekiri. I worked for the emergence of Tonwe (David Tonwe) to become Chairman of Warri South - West. I dare say it, from youth to elders, no one, has done what I have done for Itsekiri. I challenge anyone to discredit what I have said. I signed for the relocation of Warri South - West headquarters. The only easy thing I had gotten in life, was the chieftaincy given me by Atuwatse II. My qualification for Ologbotsere, is my love for Itsekiri, not Ph.D. (by certification). I declined many appointments for the position of SA, because of Itsekiri interest. Uduaghan told me not to support Okowa, because of Itsekiri interest and I obeyed! I am in politics, because of Itsekiri interest, not for my family or self.

“If Asiwaju (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) wins, it would be different APC, Itsekiri will be in National politics. People curse me everyday, but a day will come, when I will openly speak up. I will never abuse the Itsekiri stool”.

L-R: Mr. Alex Eyengho, Mr. Bumi Ireyefoju, Comrade Alero Naomi Tenumah & another Chieftain of the APC

While telling Mr. Ekpoto, “God will allow you to see the light”, Chief Emami, asserted: “I challenge those who said I have eaten Itsekiri money, to come up with evidence. I went to IRDC to build my local profile, not for a penny. I didn't even know anyone could collect N300 million from IRDC account! No money was given to me for Ubeji Road and I am not a part of the company, the Ubeji Road was awarded to. Rewane, Okotie - Eboh, Mayuku, suffered what I am going through as Ologbotsere”.

The APC House of Representatives Candidate, Mr. Ekpoto Ekpoto Emmanuel, earlier in his remarks, stated: “I ought to have met you before the primary, but health issue and travels, stalled it. I told Joel (Onowakpo, Delta South APC candidate) that I will surely see my leader (Chief Emami).

“We have the same struggle, which is for Itsekiri to make progress, but we do it from different angles. I have worked in the National Assembly for 20 years as a Legislative Consultant. Being in National Assembly, for this long, has made me see how people achieve a lot for their constituents. I didn't come to Warri, because I came to contest. As a result of the broadcast of my community radio, through engagements on various programmes on the radio, I picked the interest to contest.

A cross section of APC leaders, after the visit

“I am among those that set up Conference of Speakers in Nigeria. I understand the legislature very well. I am already working on an agenda, which I would be judged with and I will still come and present it to you (Chief Emami). If you give me your support and pray for me, victory would be sure. I have been following your activities online and know you travel a lot, especially to the North and you can testify what is being done with the instrument of government”.

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