"CALL NIGERIAN MILITARY TO ORDER"... GBARAMATU KINGDOM TELLS BUHARI

Illustrative Photograph

"Investigate the activities of the military in the Niger Delta region, as it is not within the confines of the rules of engagement and this may lead to breakdown of law and order in the region".... Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs Tell Buhari.

"Even President Buhari’s home is more insecure, but without similar military onslaught".... Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom.


The Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs of Kingdom in oil Delta state have asked the Federal Government to calls troops of the Nigerian army to order.

This became necessary following the huge presence of the army in the community, ostensibly to maintain law and order which has however, caused palpable fear that has now enveloped the oil rich Gbaramatu Kingdom.

The community which is located in Warri Southwest local government area of Delta State thrpugh its leaders on Tuesday raised  their concerns over the alleged renewed military siege to their communities, while expressing fears about another military operation.

The Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs, in a statement signed by the Spokesman of the Council, Godspower Gbenekama and made available to newsmen in Warri on Tuesday, warned that any wild charge by the military is capable of causing a breakdown of law and order in the region.

They therefore, urged President Muhammadu Buhari investigate their activities and also, restrain the troops.

“There is an urgent need for Mr. President to investigate the activities of the military in the Niger Delta region, as it is not within the confines of the rules of engagement and this may lead to breakdown of law and order in the region as it is happening in Gbaramatu kingdom,” the council’s scribe, stated.

It would be recalled that, Gbaramatu community is the birthplace of former militant, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), has, in recent years, been the scene of several military operations.

According to available reports, tension has soared in recent times in the community following last week’s failure by President Buhari to give assent to the bill on the Nigerian Maritime University, which is located in Okerenkoko area of Gbaramatu.

However, as at the time of filing in this report, it was not clear if the alleged presence of the military or its operation and the perceived fear in the area had anything in relation to the latest development over the Nigerian Maritime University Bill. 

In the statement issued,the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs, noted that there were “renewed siege, harassment and intimidation of communities and people of Gbaramatu kingdom by the Nigerian Military through water and air”.

Gbenekama, who is the Fiyewei of the Kingdom in the statement also said; 

“Since then, the people have been living in fears of a possible military invasion like the one of May 2009, when the military over ran a number of communities, claiming hundreds of lives and the destruction of property worth billions of Nigeria".

The Fiyewei of Gbaramatu Kingdom said "the people of the kingdom fear that the military is trying to repeat the same act, unless urgent steps are taken by the federal government to call the military to order".

“The recent action of the military could be described as a mischievous one as the kingdom is very peaceful and do not expect such military actions", he added.

The Gbaramatu chief admonished the military not to hide under the guise of insecurity to unleash mayhem on their people, stressing that even President Buhari’s home was more insecure, but without similar military onslaught.