Okuama Community Issues Ultimatum: No Freedom for Our Leaders, No Participation in Elections

The Okuama Community of Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State has issued a stern warning to all politicians, including the president and governor, that elections will not be held in the community unless their detained leaders are freed. This ultimatum was delivered during a protest staged by the community on Wednesday to condemn the prolonged detention of its leaders.

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Mr Vote Johnwalker, Chairman of the Okuama Community, addressed the press and explained that the community's decision was a result of being treated as outcasts in the country, with their plight seemingly ignored by the authorities. The community's frustration stems from the fact that it has been approximately two years since their leaders were arrested and detained by the military following the destruction of their community.

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The chairman emphasized that the rule of law is paramount in the country, and when individuals are accused of a crime, they are typically charged in court, tried, and then either convicted or acquitted. However, in the case of the Okuama Community leaders, they were arrested and detained without being given a fair trial, despite the fact that soldiers were killed near the community and their town was destroyed.

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The community has suffered greatly, with one of its leaders, James Achovwuko Oghoroko, dying in military custody, while Pa Dennis Okugbaye, the Treasurer of Okuama Community, was released on health grounds after falling critically ill. Other community leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Mabel Owhemu, remain in detention.

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A court order was issued for the detained individuals to be brought before the court, but the military has refused to comply with this order. The chairman argued that the military appears to be operating above the law, which has led the community to feel disenfranchised and ignored.

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The Okuama Community has decided to take a stand by boycotting the upcoming election unless their leaders are released, with the chairman stating that if politicians want their votes, they must first address the community's grievances. The community feels that everyone has forgotten about their plight, including the destruction of their town and the detention of their leaders.

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The chairman expressed the community's sense of injustice, feeling that they have been unfairly blamed for the killing of soldiers without being given a fair trial. The community is calling for an end to their oppression and for someone to take responsibility for rebuilding their town, which was destroyed during the military operation.