The leadership of Egbema Offshore Communities and Egbema Leaders of Thought (ELOT) have expressed concerns over Mr. Mike J. K. Tiemo’s recent publications targeting Elder Edmund Doyah Tiemo.
In a statement by Hon. Joel Bisina and Godwin Tabuka Esq., Vice Chairman and Secretary, Egbema Leaders of Thought (ELOT), the leaders emphasised disappointment regarding posts circulating on social media and in national newspapers that allegedly tarnish the reputation of Elder Edmund Doyah Tiemo.
They alleged these communications were orchestrated by Mike Tiemo and his associates.
“Elder Edmund Doyah Tiemo is well-respected for his discipline, integrity, and honesty,” the statement noted.
“As the current chairman of Egbe.a Opudis Host Community Development Trust Board of Trustees, overseeing Chevron Nigeria Limited’s onshore activities, it is impossible for him to interfere in matters concerning the Egbema offshore communities.”
The statement further clarified that Elder Tiemo is dedicated solely to advocating for the recognition of the offshore communities rather than seeking to become involved with them.
“It is crucial to understand that the process of securing Egbema offshore recognition is ongoing and necessitates the collaboration of all stakeholders,” the leaders reminded.
“Elder E. E. Tiemo has demonstrated remarkable leadership and resource mobilization alongside other leaders to support this important cause.”
Recognised as a prominent community leader across the entire Egbema Kingdom and the Polobubor community, Elder E. E. Tiemo is known for his commitment to peace, development, and excellence in leadership.
The statement countered claims about Mr. Mike Tiemo, stating, “The 93 Egbema offshore communities have rallied behind Elder Tiemo, contradicting unfounded assertions of his rejection. It is evident that Mr. Mike Tiemo and his associates have been dismissed, leading to their baseless outcry.”
Furthermore, it was noted: “Mr. Mike Tiemo appears to be afraid, as the Polobubor community he hails from will not tolerate his actions regarding offshore matters, particularly given his failure to initiate any projects in his community over the past 20 years, prior to the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act.”
The leaders reiterated that Elder Tiemo poses no security threat to the offshore communities, instead highlighting that it is Mr. Mike Tiemo and his associates who may pose concerns due to their actions.
“Elders and leaders from Egbema communities have called upon Elder Edmund Tiemo to guide the kingdom, recognising his experience and the respect he commands both legally and traditionally.
“Elder Edmund Tiemo is a genuine development advocate,” the statement added.
“He provides free treatments for Egbema sons and daughters every year, offers scholarships to local youth, and organizes annual empowerment programs for men and women in the Kingdom, among many other developmental initiatives.”
As a prince of the Oloduwa ruling house, Elder Tiemo does not need a royal title to uphold justice and truth within the Kingdom. He is a source of inspiration for both the youth and elders of Egbema.
The leaders also noted their awareness of the traditional authority of the Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom and the council led by Chief Tax Agbaibor, particularly in matters concerning the traditional institution.
“Mr. Mike Tiemo has yet to win any court case, and his attempts to obstruct progress in Egbema Kingdom have been noted,” they asserted, encouraging him to await the resolution of the legal matters he claims to have initiated.
The statement added: “Egbema Offshore Communities assert that no individual or group has the right to engage in offshore matters without the authority of the relevant community leaders. The only ‘offense’ committed by Elder Edmund Tiemo relates to upholding this principle, which has understandably caused distress for Mr. Mike Tiemo and his associates.”
The leaders advised Mr. Mike Tiemo to offer a sincere apology to Elder Tiemo and exercise restraint regarding his criticisms of the elder statesman who they said is devoted to peace and progress within Egbema Kingdom.
