The leadership of the Okpe Union Worldwide has condemned the purported suspension of a member of the union’s secretariat by some individuals. The union warned that such plan would precipitate a crisis of epic proportions, the end of which no one can predict.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by the Secretary General, Mr. Henry Ebireri, the union said the President General, Mr. Ralph Karieren, is the key player of the suspension plot, which he sees as his only avenue to further misappropriate the union’s funds.
It said Karieren is alleged to be working in collusion with some Okpe elders to suspend some members of the executive committee, so that they can have the required number of yes men in the executive committee to take decisions that will further enhance their selfish and wicked agenda.
“But we have every reason to believe that Okpe people are peace-loving people, who will resist any attempt by anyone, no matter how highly placed or what dirty carrot he is dangling, to destabilise a union that is over eighty years. We also expect that Okpe elders and the members of the traditional council will resist any cheap attempt to compromise them.
“However, for those who will allow themselves to be used to set the union on fire and return it to the era of corruption and lack of focus, we have a warning for them: Don’t try it, because it will end up consuming you!” the statement said.
It condemned the use of the union’s name by a major player to extort money from Okpe and Urhobo leaders at home and abroad.
“Okpe people are not ready to succumb to the antics of a character, whose only claim to the union’s highest seat is to realise his inordinate ambition. Okpe people do not want the bloodbath that this top dog is threatening,” the union said.
The union’s secretariat while sympathizing with those supporting corrupt elements, urged the members to be at the union’s headquarters on Sunday, November 20, 2011 where funds collected for voters’ registration, Okpe Terminus, Rerun/General Elections, Visit of UPU leader to Lagos, Research on state of schools in Okpe land and others will be accounted for by the kingpin.
