In the midst of ongoing leadership disputes in Bilabiri 1 community, Lucky Tubotu has strongly denied allegations of personal grievances against Amb. Capt. Winston Ogoun JP, who claims to be the monarch of Bilabiri Mein Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of the Concerned Stakeholders for Truth and Progress in Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, Tubotu emphasized that his stance is based on verifiable facts rather than personal vendettas. He warned against the spread of misinformation and questioned Ogoun’s legitimacy as a traditional ruler.
According to Tubotu, Ogoun has not received official recognition from the Bayelsa State Government nor been gazetted as a traditional leader. “His claim of being presented with a staff of office is completely false,” he asserted. To support this claim, Tubotu cited an official statement from the Bayelsa State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, signed by Commissioner Chief Thompson Amule, which confirmed that Ogoun is not a recognized monarch.
A Call for Government Intervention
Tubotu urged the Bayelsa State Government and relevant authorities to intervene and address what he termed a misrepresentation of Bilabiri’s traditional leadership.
He also refuted accusations that he had been banned from Bilabiri due to alleged criminal activities, dismissing them as baseless. “I have never engaged in any criminal activity. My family is known for peace, truth, and progress,” he declared.
Exposing the Abaka Family’s Criminal Past
Turning the spotlight on the Abaka family, Tubotu accused them of a long history of organized crime and challenged them to account for the whereabouts of several individuals linked to criminal activities:
- Meshack Abaka – Former youth president of Bilabiri 1 (2011), allegedly involved in a ship hijacking operation near Cameroon. He was reportedly killed along with his gang, never returning to complete his tenure.
- Frankincense Abaka – A notorious sea pirate who led the hijacking of the Chinese vessel MV HAILUFANG II off the Ivory Coast in 2020. He was captured by the Nigerian Navy and is currently imprisoned at Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre in Lagos.
- Tekenane Abaka – Self-proclaimed CDC Chairman of Bilabiri 1, allegedly arrested in 2013 after a vessel hijacking and kidnapping operation off Forcados. Tubotu questioned how he was released from Warri Correctional Centre after serving seven years.
Tubotu also accused Tekenane Abaka of fraud, alleging he swindled Amaisigabueze Global Resources out of ₦1,350,000 meant for WAEC enrollment of Bilabiri students, submitting a list of fictitious names and pocketing the funds.
- Ebimene Abaka (aka Small Fire) – Allegedly involved in the 2021 killing of Frank Seide over tenure extension issues. He was also accused of kidnapping three expatriates during a government and Chevron event, an incident that resulted in the death of an Amatu native, Paul Sebele. Reports further alleged he raped the only female expatriate in the group.
“The Abakas have terrorized Bilabiri for years, yet they have the audacity to point fingers at me,” Tubotu stated. “Instead of hiding in shame, they still attempt to manipulate community leadership.”
Tubotu also raised concerns about the sale of two heavy-duty generators donated to the community by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He dismissed claims that they were sold due to technical issues and high maintenance costs.
“How much were they sold for? Where did the money go? Too many unanswered questions,” he challenged, demanding transparency and accountability from those involved.
Rejecting accusations of mental instability, Tubotu described them as a desperate attempt to silence his advocacy for justice. He labeled his critics as criminals who have engaged in piracy, theft, and violence, which have destabilized Bilabiri’s peace and development.
“The real threat to Bilabiri is not me but those who hijack leadership for personal gain. The same individuals accusing me are the architects of criminal operations that have destabilized our region,” he said.
Tubotu reaffirmed his commitment to exposing corruption and fighting for good governance in Bilabiri. He vowed to continue holding wrongdoers accountable despite attempts to tarnish his reputation.