Mr. Udengs Eradiri, a former president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has been warned by His Majesty, King Ateke Michael Tom of the Palace of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom in Rivers State, not to drag the kingdom’s stool into what he called “petty, self-serving political narratives.”
In a statement released yesterday, the palace voiced concerns about a recent video purportedly released by Eradiri in which he made accusations about activities at the Okochiri Palace. The palace described Eradiri’s claims as false, superfluous, and capable of causing tension in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The statement, which was signed by Ifeanyi Ogbonna, King Ateke’s Special Assistant on Media, stated that it is concerning that Eradiri concentrates on sowing discord and confusion through unfounded allegations rather than advancing regional peace, harmony, and sustainable development.
In the aforementioned video, Eradiri said that the Okochiri palace was being utilized as a forum for debates against the federal government, namely against the decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts.
He added that those in attendance at these events were trying to dismantle established institutions.
In response, Ogbonna vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that the Okochiri Palace is still a recognized and impartial organization committed to promoting communication, harmony, and progress throughout the Niger Delta and beyond.
monarch Ateke was one of those who battled for the region’s liberation, according to Ogbonna, who also stated that the monarch has the right to bid for the pipeline surveillance contract if he so chooses.
“The palace of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom is open to all well-meaning individuals and groups committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the Niger Delta,” he declared.
Ogbonna emphasized that King Ateke has a duty as a traditional ruler to hear other points of view and involve stakeholders on matters impacting the area, pointing out that these interactions are crucial for resolving disputes and advancing the community.
Ogbonna emphasized that the palace of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom is still accessible to everyone, claiming that Eradiri’s remarks were motivated by vested interests and intended to appease specific sponsors.
Ogbonna claims that “Udengs Eradiri is just dancing to the tune of his paymasters.” He is receiving sponsorship in order to advance a specific narrative that does not accurately represent the situation on the ground. The king’s palace is an open space where people and organizations are welcome to come and voice their issues and complaints.
In this case, the king solely interacted with people who were important to the fight for the Niger Delta’s freedom. The pipeline surveillance contract that Mr. Eradiri mentioned has long since expired. In fact, there is a widespread demand for openness, which includes a bidding procedure that is available to all eligible parties.
The right of stakeholders, especially past agitators, to gather, discuss, and voice their opinions on issues impacting the area has been continuously protected by His Majesty. These kinds of interactions are real and shouldn’t be misrepresented.
It is regrettable that Eradiri has decided to support narratives that are harmful to the Niger Delta’s progress and unity in addition to being deceptive. His remarks seem to be intended to promote discord and needless anxiety among the populace.
“With regard to the person he called Richard, it is crucial to make clear that he is a Prince of the Kingdom who has genuinely established himself long before recent advancements in the industry. Attempts to discredit him are unjustified and unfounded.
“Eradiri also claimed that he was embarrassed during a previous visit to the palace in relation to an appointment matter,” he added. Since there is no documentation of such an event, we challenge him to give specifics. In all of its interactions, the palace upholds respect and dignity.
Therefore, we strongly advise Eradiri to refrain from making careless remarks and from using the king’s name in a way that diminishes the honor of the royal institution. The monarch should not be involved in pointless disputes because he holds a highly esteemed position. He ought to put an immediate end to this.
Ogbonna also counseled the former Ijaw youth president to avoid using divisive words and instead concentrate on genuine contributions and constructive involvement that would promote unity, peace, and development in the Niger Delta.
He reaffirmed that everyone should respect the Okochiri palace since it continues to be a symbol of harmony, cultural heritage, and responsible leadership.
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