By Henry Ovie
Notable leaders in the South-South geo-political zone have hit back at the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey, describing his comments on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Godswill Akpabio as “reckless.”
“Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey is wandering about alone,” the south-south leader said, further describing the Delta monarch as “a self-seeker, trouble maker and opportunist.”
“The temptation to sell out Urhobo and look out for his own petty interests is great. Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey is prepared to barter away the honour of Idjerhe kingdom and the interests of Urhobo and Ijaw for a job in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or a handout from top government functionaries,” the leaders said in a statement issued by the Chairman of South-South Front (SSF), Mr John Harry.
They also described Whiskey’s outburst as misleading but commended Mr Akpabio for steering the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to greater heights.
“Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey speaks from a place of deep ignorance,” the statement stated.
The leaders rebuked Whiskey for not bringing critical and unemotional apparatus to the examination of problems in the Niger Delta and praised the Minister for his commitment to greater development and adherence to the principles of transparency.
“The NDDC forensic report marks a vitally important step forward for the Niger Delta region.
“The statement also underscored intelligent leadership, appreciation and respect.
“Senator Akpabio is a quintessential politician. He has done well,” the statement said.
The leaders called on stakeholders in the country not to be influenced by Whiskey and his sponsors.
“The Idjerhe monarch is already losing contact with the purse of the Niger Delta people,” they said.
