The Egbema Youth Political Forum (EGYPF) in Warri North and Ovia South West Local Government Areas, spanning Edo and Delta States, has praised Hon. Spencer Okpoye, the Commissioner representing the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), for his exceptional performance that surpasses expectations. The forum also issued a stern warning to mischief-makers to cease their ill-conceived efforts to tarnish Okpoye’s reputation.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chairman of EGYPF, Barr. Ebigbagha S. Baidi, commended Okpoye for his diligent discharge of constitutional duties across the Ijaw ethnic nationality. He emphasized the need for support and recognition for Okpoye rather than unfounded criticisms from those allegedly sponsored by corporate interests.
“Hon. Spencer Okpoye is a committed leader who does not discriminate. He has played a pivotal role in facilitating the completion and commissioning of world-class infrastructure, including schools and a Town Hall in Ogulagha Kingdom. Instead of appreciation, he faces unfounded attacks,” Baidi stated.
He highlighted that Okpoye’s achievements within a few months are unparalleled compared to the entire tenures of some previous officeholders. “He will not be perturbed or distracted by cheap blackmail from political opportunists whose livelihoods depend on their corporate political paymasters,” he added.
The statement also emphasized that any further attempts to ridicule Hon. Spencer Okpoye would not be tolerated, as it is recorded that no Egbema indigene has ever published materials aimed at defaming any leader from the Ijaw ethnic nationality. The community holds respect for their leaders, regardless of their origins within Ijaw Nation.
The forum condemned a recent baseless publication by Williams Ayoromiegha Junior, Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Security and Publicity Secretary of the Ogulagha Kingdom Youth Council.
“We condemn the said publication in its entirety and express concern over Amb. Princewill Binebai, the Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, who shared this publication through his online media platform, The Liberator Newspaper, and on his Facebook page,” the statement read.
The EGYPF urged Binebai to remember that the primary responsibility of the IYC Spokesman is to protect the interests of the Ijaw Nation, not to engage in misleading acts that unfairly target an Ijaw son in a significant leadership position. The forum called on the leadership of the IYC to address this issue and ensure that the interests of the Ijaw people are firmly upheld.