RE: GROUP TASKS ILOT TO SANCTION SECRETARY FOR DISREGARDING CONSTITUTION REJOINDER, BY MEMBERS OF THE ITSEKIRI DELEGATION THAT PAID A COURTESY VISIT ON THE MD/CEO OF THE NDDC IN PORT HARCOURT

We read with astonishment the publication reflecting the caption above, which emanated from an anonymous and amorphous group calling itself “Aferire- O'one Socio-political Organization of Warri kingdom,” predictably headed by "Prince" Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, alias Emma-Koti. Our initial position was to avoid dignifying Emma-Koti, and his co-adventurers in skullduggery such 

as Hosanna Jallogho, Alfred Apoh and Shola Amoye with any response. 

Intriguingly, they had spuriously depicted themselves in the aforesaid publication as princes; whereas under Itsekiri Native laws and customs; particularly as enshrined in the Paragraph 2 of “Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict 1979;” they are nothing but "Omajaja".Curiously, Emma-Koti who besides also depicting himself therein as the past Regent of Warri Kingdom, had equally alongside his co-adventurers collectively called themselves members of Ginuwa 1 ruling House (which in reality is now defunct.) Undisputedly, the incumbency of a reigning Olu strips 

all such positions and institutions as Olu advisory council, Regency and Ginuwa 1 ruling House of any contemporaneity.

It therefore becomes imperative to suggest to Emma-Koti and his co-adventurers to seek apposite education in Itsekiri history and culture, from Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT) who are proteges of historical Itsekiri leaders and patriots like Alfred Rewane, Chiefs E.N.A Begho, O.N.Rewane, Hon. (Retd) Justice Ajuyah, Pa. Urumatsoma, Chiefs O.P. Edodo, Isaac Jemide, Pa. J.O.S. Ayomike et al; The organisation is eminently qualified to offer Emma-Koti and his co-adventurers the much needed lessons in Itsekiri history and culture; and we are sure they will volunteer to offer such to them gratis. 

Despite our initial inclination to ignore the ordinarily insipid publication of Emma-Koti et al, it became imperative for us to rethink our initial position after we had reasons to think through the moral implication of not responding, being particularly mindful of the admonition of the revered Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, that "the man died in all of us who kept silent in the face of tyranny".We have struggled vainly to find anything in the ill-fated publication that faults 

the substance of our engagement with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). It is reassuring to note that the substance of our mission to NDDC resonates with even our detractors and traducers; as we have always invested in any cause that augurs with Itsekiri larger interests. Notwithstanding, the truculence and vituperations of Emma-Koti et al. We do not rue the well-

meaning efforts we have made to solicit for the completion of 17 NDDC abandoned projects, which includes the Koko-Ogheye-Lagos Road, Warri-Omadino-Escravos Road, Aladja-Ogbe-Ijoh-Isaba-Ode Itsekiri Road and sand filling/shore protection for our communities amongst others. Neither can we be pained that we seized the occasion to demand for additional 17 community transforming projects for the greater good of Itsekiri nation. 

At this juncture, it may be necessary to admonish Emma-Koti and his co-misfits to learn that they must at all times subjugate their individual whims and caprices to the larger interests of the Itsekiri nation. We know that, given the predilection of Emma-Koti and his co-misfits, this quintessential Itsekiri trait, must be difficult for them to comprehend, let alone internalize. In the 

interim, it will be good for misadvised Emma-Koti et al to shun reveling in positions that are adversarial to the larger interests of Itsekiri nation. 

Perhaps, it is more unfortunate that Emma-Koti et al who simply do not possess the eligibility to be admitted into membership of the venerable Itsekiri Leaders of Thoughts (ILOT) would now be masquerading as authority on the affairs and concerns of ILOT. Undoubtedly, Emma-Koti and his similarly misguided co-adventurers thrive in an ambience of confusion and disorder 

which simply does not exist in ILOT. So, they are well advised to stay away from the affairs of ILOT for good. For the record, Sir A.S Mene has never in his carriage, conduct, representations, acts or omissions contrived or effected anything that might be considered intimately or remotely untoward or obnoxious to ILOT.

Matter of factly, it is not a misnomer for him to identify himself anywhere as the Secretary of ILOT which indeed he is. He did not in any way claim to have embarked on the visit to the NDDC at the instance of ILOT. It is needless to state here that his membership of ILOT has not stripped him of his inalienable rights to freedom of association and movement. It is well within his constitutional rights to visit wherever he chooses and in whosoever’s company. He does not owe Emma-Koti et al any explanation or apology on this score! And so is the case for us, the Itsekiri sons and daughters, who like him, had for good grounds embarked on the visit to NDDC.

Indeed, every Itsekiri son and daughter is enjoined at all times to use their private and public 

moments to advance Itsekiri cause. This, we have done; and expect Emma-Koti et al to emulate; and not denounce. It is regrettable that the recent wave of disputations regarding the ascendancy 

of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III (CFR) to the throne of Olu of Warri, has created some false sense of new found relevance for social climbers like Emma-Koti et al who will give anything to ensure the perpetuation of the lingering disputations. For they draw their relevance from such unwholesome disputations which are evidently inimical to the continuing well-being of 

Itsekiri nation. Let posterity be the judge! 

God bless us all!

Matthew Itsekure

&

Omaghomi Tuoyo

For And on behalf of all Members Of The Itsekiri Delegation That Paid A Courtesy Visit On The MD/CEO Of The NDDC In Port Harcourt

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