Blessing Okorite, Port Harcourt
Following the recent insurgency and military invasion of Ogoniland, Rivers State, a former militant leader in the area, Chief Solomon Ndigbara, has again denied his involvement in the act which claimed some lives in parts of Ogoni.
In a letter sent to the Area Commander, Nigeria Police at Bori, Ndigbara, said in spite of his enormous contributions to the peace and development of his area, he was still being hated, misconstrued and linked to the current insecurity and criminality in Ogoniland.
The former agitator, who said he has put his life on the line, declare his readiness to do more to stamp out criminal activities from Ogoni communities, adding that he has vowed not to destroy the legacies of his forebears, including Paul Birabi, Ken Saro-Wiwa and Isaac Boro.
Said he, “The work of restoring normalcy in Ogoni is not a one man show but concerted efforts by genuine and well-meaning persons and institutions who are also willing to work harmoniously in the interest of the people”.
Ndigbara, who further said that he was not a cultist and not involved in the violence that has caused insecurity in the area, said he was prepared to be put on oath by most potent means.
He also pledged to collaborate with security agencies in ensuring that the ugly situation is abated.
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He, however, blamed some traditional leaders for desecrating the traditional institution and their stools by engaging in and supporting criminality, disclosing that most Ogoni leaders and elite Know the source of the insecurity in the area.
While calling on the people and security agencies not to believe or act on rumours against him, he appealed that he should be heard and to find out the truth about him.
He said, “I cannot build a house and also destroy it”, explaining the numerous efforts he has made for peace in Ogoni, which include, ensuring the successful completion of construction work by Renod Construction Company on East-West road, release of some kidnapped victims, stopping the Nwebiara- Barako and Bomu- Lewe communal conflicts.
Chief Ndigbara, who also copied the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, the Gberemene of Gokana, HRM, King Babari Paago Bagia(JP), DSS Director in Ogoni, and so forth, lamented the colossal effects of cultism and violence in Ogoni and urged united actions against the situation.
He called for the arrest of leaders of cult groups in Ogoniland.