Unmasking The Shameless Sponsor of UEBARI TOPBA (Aka Gani Topba)’s Media Attack On Chief Teeh Harvest Deesi Sunday

An Ogoni community leader, Teeh Harvest Deesi Sunday, has accused an unnamed prominent Ogoni leader of allegedly sponsoring media attacks against the President of KAGOTE, Chief Lesi Maol, over his activities involving youth empowerment and development in Ogoniland.

In a statement, Deesi alleged that the unnamed leader had used Uebari Topba, also known as Gani Topba, to criticise Chief Lesi Maol and the leadership of KAGOTE.

The allegations contained in the statement were not independently verified.

Deesi alleged that the unnamed leader had over the years benefited from government opportunities and resources meant for Ogoni development, while allegedly favouring relatives and associates in appointments and employment.

He also made allegations concerning a pipeline surveillance contract, oil exploration negotiations and employment opportunities reportedly allocated to Ogoni youths.

According to Deesi, questions should be asked about the management of opportunities and projects connected to the Ogoni Dialogue Committee and other government or corporate initiatives in the area.

He further called for the publication of details of contractors handling ongoing projects in Ogoniland, including their scopes of work, costs, company ownership and the bidding and selection processes.

Deesi alleged that the demand for greater transparency was particularly important because oil exploration activities had resumed in parts of Ogoniland, while some stakeholders continued to give the impression that negotiations over oil exploration were still ongoing.

The statement also defended Chief Lesi Maol against allegations that he was opposed to oil exploration in Ogoniland.

Deesi cited what he described as Maol's investments in youth development, including training for young people in oil and gas related skills, a ₦200 million entrepreneurship grant programme, science quiz competitions for secondary school students and scholarships for Ogoni students.

He argued that such initiatives demonstrated Maol's interest in preparing Ogoni youths to participate in economic opportunities arising from developments in the oil and gas sector.

Deesi also alleged that the unnamed leader had used smear campaigns and other forms of pressure against Ogoni leaders and youths who were gaining prominence.

He said he was prepared to publish further information concerning the allegations if the attacks against Maol and KAGOTE continued.

The statement further called for peace and unity among Ogoni youths, warning against actions that could undermine the relative peace in the area.

Deesi appealed to the unnamed leader to desist from activities that could revive tensions in Ogoniland and urged stakeholders to allow the existing peace to continue.

The allegations against the unnamed leader, Uebari Topba and other individuals mentioned in the statement were presented by Deesi and have not been independently established from the material supplied.