The Gbaramatu Youth Council (GYC) has issued a strongly worded call for the arrest and prosecution of a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Evangelist Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, accusing him of inciting ethnic unrest between the Ijaw people of Gbaramatu Kingdom and the Itsekiri ethnic group.
At a press conference held on Friday in Warri, the youth group condemned a video circulating on social media in which Diden, who was a senatorial aspirant in the 2023 general elections, allegedly urged Itsekiri communities to attack Ijaw youths working for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
According to the GYC, the remarks of the former commissioner of DESOPADEC and a PDP stalwart in the state amount to incitement to communal violence and pose a serious threat to regional peace.
“This is not just a reckless outburst; it is a dangerous attempt to trigger ethnic hostilities,” said Kingsley E. Arerebo, President of the GYC. “Ejele’s accusations are malicious and entirely unfounded. He is targeting innocent Gbaramatu youths who are simply doing their jobs in a federally mandated security operation.”
The youth council clarified that Tantita Security Services is neither an Ijaw nor Gbaramatu-owned entity, but a national security contractor with a federal brief to secure critical oil infrastructure.
“Tantita employs Nigerians across ethnic lines, including over 3,000 Itsekiri youths,” said Arerebo. “To frame its work as an Ijaw agenda is disingenuous and a clear attempt to undermine a vital national effort.”
The GYC alleged that Diden’s motivations stem from a disruption to illegal oil activities in which he is reportedly involved.
“His outburst is the cry of a man whose illicit trade has been curtailed by improved security,” said Tarike Raphael E., Secretary of the Council. “Rather than face the consequences, he now seeks to destabilise the peace that has allowed our communities to progress.”
Highlighting sections of the Nigerian Criminal Code, the group cited provisions that classify incitement to violence and unauthorised calls to arms as felonies punishable by imprisonment.
“We call on the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Navy to investigate and prosecute Mr Diden. This cannot be swept under the rug,” Arerebo stated.
The GYC also reassured the public of its commitment to peace and unity, urging the Itsekiri community to reject divisive rhetoric.
“We have never attacked our neighbours and have no intention of doing so,” the Council said. “But let it be known: our silence should not be mistaken for fear. We will defend our people if provoked.”
In a final statement, the youth body said Diden’s failure at the polls reflects a broader public rejection of his brand of leadership.
“He was denied a seat in the Senate because the people recognised that leadership is not for those who stoke division,” the GYC asserted.
Calling for vigilance and collaboration, the group concluded: “The enemies of the Niger Delta are not those protecting national assets, but those who exploit our resources for selfish ends. We remain united, committed to peace, and ready to protect our land and our people.”
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