FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 28, 2025
Coordinated Smear Campaign Against British-Itsekiri Officer Part of Wider Agenda to Undermine Itsekiri Influence –Coalition Warns
We, the Coalition of Itsekiri Pressure Groups, condemn the recent detention of a British Army officer of Itsekiri descent in Nigeria as a politically motivated smear campaign aimed at maligning the Warri Kingdom and suppressing its growing influence in national affairs.
The officer, who was in Nigeria on personal leave, was reportedly detained without formal charges, with some media outlets alleging involvement in illegal arms procurement and attempts to incite ethnic unrest in Warri, Delta State. However, emerging facts suggest that these allegations are baseless and strategically timed, raising serious concerns about due process and the misuse of security apparatus for political ends.
Contrary to initial media reports, the officer was not arrested for any proven offense but was detained in Lagos on his way back to the UK, where he resides. The officer has no political affiliations and has never been involved in criminal activity.
A Pattern of Ethnic Targeting
This incident is not isolated.
Over the years, Itsekiri individuals in prominent positions have been subjected to similar orchestrated attempts to discredit them. In February 2025, Mr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), faced unfounded allegations shortly after his appointment. Despite a media frenzy, the allegations were later exposed as lacking credible evidence, and part of a smear campaign aimed at disrupting Itsekiri representation in key national institutions.
Likewise, in late 2024, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, former Executive Vice President of Upstream at the NNPC Limited, was controversially removed from her position without a stated reason. Many in the Itsekiri community viewed her removal as part of a systematic effort to reduce their stake in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The throne, which has consistently stood for peace and development in the region, has regrettably not been spared from this troubling wave of malicious propaganda, falsehoods, and defamatory attacks, and despite its continued dedication to unity and progress, it has been unjustly targeted by unfounded accusations and harmful distortions.
These efforts are not coincidental, this is a longstanding pattern of political sabotage targeted at disempowering Itsekiri voices. The latest incident involving our son in the British Army is yet another chapter in this troubling narrative.
Suspected Link to INEC Ward Delineation
We strongly suspect a connection between the ongoing smear campaign and the recent unlawful ward delineation carried out by INEC in the Warri Federal Constituency—an action that blatantly favors Ijaw communities by unjustly inflating their ward count while deliberately reducing that of the Itsekiri. This manipulation disregards established population figures and voter registration data, and represents a grave affront to equity, transparency, and the democratic process.
This is a familiar tactic, discredit the community, cast suspicion, and derail progress before it can take root. We saw this during the oil bloc agitation, during federal appointments, and now again with the illegal INEC proposed delineation exercise.
Call for Transparency, Calm, and Justice
As a group, we urge the Department of State Services (DSS) to subject its actions to independent review. We also call on the media to refrain from publishing unverified reports that endanger lives and undermine national cohesion.
Furthermore, we appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the British High Commission, and international human rights organizations to intervene and ensure that the officer’s fundamental rights are protected. We also demand accountability from those using national security claims as a cover for ethnic profiling and political suppression.
We remain committed to peace, unity, and justice, but we will not be silent in the face of targeted campaigns meant to weaken our community.
Signed:
• Itsekiri Interest Group
• Itsekiri Youths for Good Governance
• Itsekiri Historical Front
• Itsekiri Youth Elites
• Iwere Mentorship Forum
• Itsekiri Liberation Group
• Warri Political Interest Forum
• Codafa
Kikma
This is a concerning and deeply troubling pattern of targeted attacks against the Itsekiri community. It’s disheartening to see how individuals of Itsekiri descent in prominent positions are consistently subjected to unfounded allegations and smear campaigns. The case of the British Army officer is particularly alarming, as it seems to be part of a broader agenda to undermine Itsekiri influence. The removal of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and the allegations against Felix Omatsola Ogbe further highlight this systematic effort. The throne’s dedication to peace and development makes these attacks even more unjust. Is there a way to hold those behind these campaigns accountable and ensure transparency in these processes? What steps can be taken to protect the Itsekiri community from such political sabotage?