Emo-Ugheivwen Indigenes Challenge Zik Gbemre’s Claims on Otu-Jeremi Election, Urge Police Neutrality
A group under the aegis of Emo-Ugheivwen Concerned Indigenes has issued a strong rebuttal to a letter written by activist Zik Gbemre to the Nigeria Police Force concerning the recent Otu-Jeremi Community Executive election, accusing him of spreading falsehood and misinformation.
In a statement addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, the group described Gbemre’s claims as misleading, inflammatory, and capable of causing unnecessary tension within the community.
According to the group, Gbemre is neither a resident nor an indigene of Otu-Jeremi, and therefore lacks the authority or mandate to speak on behalf of the community.
They stated that his attempt to present himself as a spokesperson on Otu-Jeremi affairs was irresponsible and had the potential to create confusion among community members and the general public.
The group further challenged Gbemre’s account of the election results, insisting that the actual outcome was widely known among delegates, elders, youths, women, and other stakeholders who participated in the process.
They maintained that Jacob Bakederemor (Aziza) secured 10 votes in the election, while the candidate allegedly supported by Gbemre polled 4 votes, with Sunday Durume recording 1 vote.
According to the statement, any attempt to alter the outcome through media publications would not change the facts on the ground but could instead undermine peace and stability in the community.
The concerned indigenes also dismissed claims that the entire community was united behind one faction, stressing that concerns raised after the election remained legitimate issues among several stakeholders.
They urged the Delta State Police Command to remain neutral, professional, and guided strictly by verified facts, credible evidence, and the rule of law in handling all matters related to the election.
The group also condemned what it described as reckless allegations linking certain individuals to violence without concrete evidence, warning that such claims were defamatory and capable of escalating tensions.
They further alleged that Gbemre, who they said is based in the United States, had consistently published unverified reports concerning the Otu-Jeremi election, thereby contributing to misinformation and division within the community.
Calling for a thorough investigation, the group urged the Commissioner of Police to examine all complaints and reports related to the election and to take action against anyone found to be deliberately spreading false information capable of breaching public peace.
They emphasized that the peace currently enjoyed in Otu-Jeremi could only be sustained through fairness, neutrality, respect for truth, and adherence to due process.
The statement reaffirmed the group’s commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law, while urging all parties involved in the electoral dispute to seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving their grievances.
Here is the full Press release :
RIGHT OF REPLY TO ZIK GBEMRE’S LETTER TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELTA STATE, ON THE OTU-JEREMI COMMUNITY ELECTION
Dear CP Delta, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi,
Our attention has been drawn to a letter authored by Mr. Zik Gbemre concerning the recent Otu-Jeremi Community Executive election. We consider it necessary to correct the numerous falsehoods, misrepresentations, and inflammatory statements contained therein.
First, Mr. Zik Gbemre is neither a resident nor an indigene of Otu-Jeremi (Otughievwen) Community. He was not a participant in the electoral process and has no mandate whatsoever to speak on behalf of the community or its people. His attempt to portray himself as an authority on the affairs of Otu-Jeremi is misleading, irresponsible, and capable of creating unnecessary tension and confusion. The people of Otu-Jeremi are in the best position to speak on matters affecting their community and to determine their leadership through lawful and democratic processes.
It is surprising that Mr. Zik Gbemre c'<ontinues to distort the facts of the election.
The true result of the Otu-Jeremi Community election is common knowledge within the community. Jacob Bakederemor (Aziza) secured 10 votes, while the candidate being promoted by Mr. Gbemre received only 4 votes, and Sunday Durume polled 1 vote. These figures are well known to delegates, elders, youths, women, and other stakeholders who witnessed the exercise. Mr. Gbemre’s attempt to reverse the actual outcome through media publications cannot change the facts and only serves to mislead the public and undermine peace in the community.
Contrary to the claims contained in Mr. Gbemre’s letter, the issues arising from the election remain matters of legitimate concern to many stakeholders within the community. It is therefore inaccurate to suggest that the entire community is united behind one faction or that all opposing voices are merely disgruntled individuals who refuse to accept defeat.
We respectfully urge the Commissioner of Police to remain impartial, professional, and guided solely by verified facts, credible evidence, and the rule of law. The Nigeria Police Force must not be influenced by one-sided narratives aimed at criminalizing opposing views or suppressing lawful grievances.
Furthermore, we condemn attempts to label individuals as sponsors of violence without any evidence. Such allegations are reckless, defamatory, and capable of undermining peace and security in the community. Anyone making such claims should be required to substantiate them with verifiable facts.
It is also important to note that Mr. Zik Gbemre, who is based in the United States, has consistently published unverified and misleading reports regarding the Otu-Jeremi election. His publications have contributed to misinformation and have the potential to incite division, hostility, and disorder within the community.
We therefore call on the Commissioner of Police to thoroughly investigate all complaints and reports relating to the election and to take appropriate action against any person found to be deliberately spreading false information capable of breaching the peace, irrespective of status, influence, or location.
The peace currently enjoyed in Otu-Jeremi can only be sustained through fairness, neutrality, respect for the truth, and adherence to due process. We urge the Police Command not to be swayed by false narratives but to rely on verifiable facts in dealing with all matters relating to the community.
We remain committed to peace, justice, and the rule of law and urge all parties to pursue lawful and peaceful avenues for the resolution of any dispute arising from the election.
Respectfully submitted,
EMO-UGHEIVWEN CONCERNED INDIGENES
June 2026
