By Admin By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: Concerns have been raised over the Nigerian Army’s recent occupation of Okpare, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, amid a brewing leadership crisis. Activists and community leaders, including Zik Gbemre, have sounded the alarm, urging swift intervention to prevent a repeat of the tragic Okuama incident.
Gbemre, a prominent activist, called on President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to take immediate action.
“The Nigerian Army seems to have learned nothing from Okuama’s painful lessons. Their presence in Okpare is unwarranted and illegal,” Gbemre stated.
The crisis stems from allegations by the Community President General, Okiemute Otoka, that soldiers were deployed to disrupt Okpare’s Annual Conference, the community’s highest decision-making forum. The conference, Otoka said, is critical for presenting reports and holding leaders accountable.
“Certain individuals are using the military to avoid being sanctioned for illegal land sales. This is an abuse of power aimed at suppressing justice,” Otoka alleged.
Critics have condemned the deployment of soldiers in what they describe as a purely communal matter. “The Army has no business intervening in such disputes unless called upon by the police,” Gbemre asserted.
Gbemre emphasized the need for authorities to act decisively. “We don’t want another Okuama tragedy. Soldiers must leave Okpare immediately,” he said.
He also urged Governor Oborevwori to summon political appointees from Okpare, whom he accused of fueling the crisis. “Political appointees often play divisive roles in these conflicts, and the governor must hold them accountable,” he added.
Inspector General of Police Egbetokun was called upon to ensure the police assert their authority in managing the crisis. “The police must not stand by while the military takes over their responsibilities,” Gbemre said.
Gbemre appealed to the people of Okpare and Olomu Kingdom to resolve their differences amicably. “It is disgraceful for elites to involve the military over petty leadership disputes. This matter must be resolved peacefully,” he warned.
In closing, Gbemre stressed the importance of accountability and proper governance. “We must avoid repeating the mistakes of Okuama in Okpare. This is a call for justice and responsible leadership,” he said.