The Itsekiri Human Rights Watch, in a distress call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has raised concerns over the escalating threats and intimidation tactics orchestrated by Mr. Ayiri Emami within the Warri Kingdom. The group, representing the interests of the Itsekiri people, in a statement jointly signed by Engr. Toritseju Dudu and Comr. Lesle Egbe, urged President Tinubu to intervene urgently to restore peace and order in the region.
Since the coronation of His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, the Olu of Warri, Mr. Ayiri Emami, a member of the All Progressive Party (APC) in Delta State, has reportedly been instigating unrest and violence against Itsekiri citizens who pledge allegiance to their monarch. Ayiri Emami allegedly claims to have the backing of high-ranking officials, including the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to carry out his disruptive activities with impunity.
The Itsekiri Human Rights Watch detailed several incidents where Ayiri Emami and his associates allegedly obstructed the Olu of Warri’s engagements, including attempts to prevent his access to communities and intimidating those who welcomed him. These actions, the group asserts, not only violate the fundamental rights of Itsekiri citizens but also pose a grave threat to the peace and stability of the region.
The recent incident on March 4, 2024, saw masked assailants, believed to be affiliated with Ayiri Emami, terrorizing the Okere Community, firing shots indiscriminately and causing panic among residents. The group emphasized that such acts of violence have instilled fear among the populace and jeopardized the safety of lives and properties.
In their plea to President Tinubu, the Itsekiri Human Rights Watch underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. They implored the President to utilize his authority to rein in Ayiri Emami and his cohorts, warning of dire consequences if urgent action is not taken to address the escalating crisis.
The Itsekiri Human Rights Watch reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace in the Warri Kingdom and called upon President Tinubu to uphold his mandate for a better and prosperous Nigeria by swiftly addressing the grievances of the Itsekiri people.
The President is yet to respond to these allegations, and the Itsekiri community anxiously awaits his intervention to alleviate their plight and restore tranquility in their homeland.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
