Follow Us on Google
Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The former youth leader of Nembe Youth Federation, Mr Theophilus Iruo, has debunked reports by a former youth president of the community, Mr Moses Ayerite, over reports of vandalization and destruction of houses in the community.
Ayerite had in a previous press statement raised alarm that his houses were vandalised by loyalists of Dr Kojo Sam and allegedly shielded by the police.
Iruo in a statement also said there are no factions in the Nembe Youth Federation as the leadership of Moses was duly sacked and replaced in line with the guidelines of the community because of its incompetence, high-handedness and reign of terror during which several houses were destroyed in the community and many people sent on exile.
According to him, there is no iota of truth in the allegations that loyalists of Dr Kojo Sam were involved in any untoward activity in the community.
Iruo, who described Kojo as a peace-loving man that wants the development of Nembe-Bassambiri through his various development and empowerment programmes, warned Moses to desist from his campaign of calumny.
On the allegations of illegal oil bunkering and violence levelled against the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), he described it as another wide allegation that defies reasoning.
Iruo noted that the SWAT team deployed on August 12 2023 to the community by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have been the saving grace that rescued the community from the descent to anarchy.
He pointed out that the presence of the police operatives deployed from Abuja which ensured they cannot be compromised has made certain elements uncomfortable.
Iruo stated that the allegations of illegal oil bunkering against the professional unit is part of the grand plot to force the IGP to withdraw the police operatives and pave the way for the invasion of the community by retrogressive forces.
He called on the police and other security agencies to beam their searchlight on the activities of Ayerite as it pertains to visits to militant camps and threats of attack on the SWAT team.
Iruo urged the IGP to investigate all allegations against Moses Ayerite and his sponsors to ensure they face the wrath of the law.
