Group Demands Arrest Of Ejele For Alleged Incitement Amid Rising Tensions In Warri’s Wards Delineation

The Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC) has called for the arrest and prosecution of Evangelist Michael Diden, also known as Ejele, citing his recent social media video as an incitement to communal violence against the Ijaw people of Gbaramatu.

The Council alleged that Diden’s remarks threaten to ignite ethnic conflict and disrupt the long-standing peace in the Niger Delta.

In the controversial video, Diden allegedly calls for attacks on Gbaramatu Ijaw individuals associated with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, blaming them for the activities of oil thieves who exploit Itsekiri communities as cover.

The GYC argued that Diden’s incendiary comments could endanger lives and properties, and they feel compelled to respond due to the serious implications of his message.

“The GYC would ordinarily dismiss Ejele’s claims as pedestrian propaganda, but the potential ramifications of his words are far too grave,” stated Kingsley E. Arerebo, President of the GYC.

He emphasized that Tantita Security Services is a legitimate national contractor tasked with protecting critical oil infrastructure and has no affiliations to any specific ethnic group.

The Council pointed out that Tantita employs thousands of workers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including over 3,000 Itsekiri youths, directly or through subcontractors in the Niger Delta.

They denounced Diden’s attempts to vilify these employees as “reckless and harmful”.

They also raised concerns about Diden’s credibility, questioning his character after allegations of misconduct surfaced against him, which they argue reflect a pattern of behavior that could lead to further instability in the region.

“Ejele’s bitter rhetoric likely stems from a personal vendetta linked to his purported illegal oil activities, now thwarted by Tantita’s operations,” Arerebo stated.

The GYC pointed out that the oil and gas industry has suffered immensely due to illegal bunkering activities, and Tantita has recovered billions in stolen crude since its inception, contributing to community development through the Petroleum Industry Act.

“Oil-producing communities, including those occupied by the Itsekiri, stand to benefit from the protection of oil infrastructures that Baru provides,” added Tarike Raphael E., Secretary of the GYC.

They urged all parties to recognize the mutual interests of maintaining peace and economic stability rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.

The youth council’s statement further called on security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Navy, to investigate Diden’s inciting remarks.

They cited relevant sections of the Criminal Code Act that outlaw incitement to violence, firmly advocating for justice to prevent any potential escalations.

GYC, also call for their Itsekiri neighbours to reject Diden’s divisive narrative, emphasizing that the true adversaries are those exploiting communal resources for personal gain, rather than the national security operatives working to safeguard these assets.

The Council reiterated its commitment to peace and vigilance in the face of provocation, pledging to protect their communities against any disruptions to the peace that Gbaramatu is known for.