The leadership of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Urhobo ethnic nationality chapter in Delta State has issued a stern warning against alleged external interference in its affairs.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Mr Sunday Ndidi Enujeke, the Urhobo HOSTCOM leadership accused him of meddling in their internal matters, particularly in the selection of their executive members. They described his actions as reckless, unwarranted, and an affront to the Urhobo people.
The letter, which was signed by key members of the Urhobo HOSTCOM leadership, including Comrade Pender Agwarive (Chairman), Comrade Friday Okolodo (Secretary), and other ethnic representatives, called for an immediate withdrawal of a letter Enujeke allegedly wrote to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) concerning Urhobo leadership matters.
The Urhobo leadership further accused Enujeke of acting out of "greed, poverty, and ulterior motives", claiming he had no constitutional or moral right to interfere in their affairs since he is not an Urhobo indigene. They emphasized that only members of an ethnic nationality have the right to determine their leadership in HOSTCOM.
Citing a 2014 Warri High Court ruling, the Urhobo HOSTCOM leadership referenced a legal precedent where the court affirmed that the right to HOSTCOM leadership positions belongs to ethnic nationalities and not individuals. The case involved an Itsekiri leader, Hon. Benjamin Iwetan, who attempted to extend his tenure unlawfully but was denied by the court.
The letter also accused Enujeke of collaborating with certain individuals to manipulate HOSTCOM leadership structures in favor of his personal interests. It alleged that he was attempting to create a rift between the Urhobo and Ndokwa ethnic groups, which could potentially lead to conflict.
A major point of contention is the alleged embezzlement of ₦300 million recently released by the Delta State Government through DESOPADEC for capacity training and empowerment of HOSTCOM members. The Urhobo leadership claims that the funds were mismanaged and that they will demand their rightful share at the appropriate time.
The Urhobo HOSTCOM chapter declared that there was no leadership dispute within their ethnic group, affirming that Comrade Pender Agwarive is their recognized chairman. They warned Enujeke against challenging this decision, stating that any further interference would not be tolerated.
Furthermore, the letter criticized Enujeke’s alleged self-acclaimed status as Delta State Chairman of HOSTCOM, insisting that his tenure had long expired and that he no longer had the authority to represent HOSTCOM in any official capacity.
The Urhobo HOSTCOM leadership also threatened "uncivil consequences" should Enujeke persist in meddling in their affairs. They advised him to respect the court ruling and steer clear of Urhobo matters, emphasizing that any future interference would be met with decisive action.
.
