Chief Ebi Eyenmi has called on the Egbema Kingdom to maintain neutrality in the ongoing debate surrounding pipeline decentralization in the Niger Delta, while strongly criticizing individuals who allegedly misrepresented the kingdom in a recent press statement linked to Tantita Pipeline Security Services.

Speaking during an interview, Chief Eyenmi clarified that the Egbema Kingdom as a whole was not involved in the said publication. He emphasized that Egbema is not a single community but a conglomerate of several communities, and therefore, no small group has the authority to speak on behalf of the entire kingdom.

“I can assure you that it’s a group of persons, not Egbema Kingdom in general,” he stated. “Egbema is a collection of communities, and such a broad entity cannot be represented by a handful of individuals.”

Addressing concerns about the kingdom’s alleged involvement in the Tantita-related press release, he attributed the action to a faction he described as beneficiaries of Tantita-linked interests, noting that they acted independently and not under the mandate of the kingdom.

Chief Eyenmi further condemned the use of the kingdom’s name for such engagements, describing it as inappropriate and misleading. According to him, Egbema is a significant and respected kingdom whose identity should not be used to advance sectional interests.

He likened the situation to a parent taking sides in a dispute between two children, warning that such actions only deepen division and marginalization. He stressed that Egbema, as part of the wider Ijaw nation, recognizes all Niger Delta freedom fighters as sons and daughters of the same land, regardless of affiliations.

“Those agitating for decentralization are his people,” he said. “If he accommodates them and allows them to work together, it will strengthen the struggle and promote collective progress.”

He also highlighted that the core demands of the Niger Delta region remain largely unmet, despite years of agitation. According to him, critical issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, clean water, and resource control continue to be neglected.

“Giving pipeline security contracts to individuals does not mean the region’s problems have been solved,” he noted. “We still lack basic development across the Niger Delta.”

Chief Eyenmi advised Niger Delta youths and freedom fighters to avoid internal conflicts, particularly on social media, warning that such divisions undermine their collective goals.

“We should not fight ourselves or try to prove superiority,” he said. “Unity is essential because the struggle is far from over.”

He further cautioned that internal disunity could be exploited to weaken the region’s demands, suggesting that division only benefits external interests.

In his message to traditional rulers and leaders, he encouraged continued support for peace efforts while also promoting reconciliation among all factions involved in the decentralization debate.

Addressing the same concern, Chief Diplomate Adams Marbo also condemned the actions of traditional chiefs who, according to him, are using the name of the Egbema Kingdom to advance personal interests. He described such conduct as highly inappropriate and misleading.

He further noted that these individuals have never collectively engaged the state government to demand meaningful development or advocate for the progress of the Egbema Kingdom, yet continue to speak in its name for self-serving purposes.

Chief Eyenmi concluded by reiterating the importance of unity, urging all stakeholders to work together as one indivisible body for the advancement of the Niger Delta region.

The interview ended with a call for sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and a renewed commitment to the collective aspirations of the people.