Kuku is a N’Delta peace maker, shouldn’t be dragged to mud -MRAI

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) has said that HON. KINGSLEY KEMEBRADIGHA KUKU, PhD is a symbol of peace and needs some respect, adding that Niger Delta needed his wealth of experience for peaceful co-existence.

The group in a statement expressed absolute outrage and resolute condemnation of the alleged calculated and malicious attempt to stain the name of Hon. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, PhD, a national icon of peace and development in the Niger Delta.

According to Hosea T. Ebikontei, Coordinator of MRAI: “We find it disturbed and wish to express concern over a group parading itself under the banner of ‘justice’ would stoop so low as to mention Dr. Kuku in the same breath as unrest or criminality. This smear campaign, hatched in the shadows of foreign streets and financed by desperate political jobbers, will not stand!”

The group said, “Dr. Kuku is too accomplished, too credible, and too clean to be dragged into the murky waters of blackmail. His unassailable legacy as former Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP)—where he scored a historic 97% performance rating—remains a benchmark of excellence. Under his leadership, peace returned to the creeks, opportunities returned to the youths, and dignity returned to the Niger Delta”.

Bomi Stanley, Secretary of MRAI, added: “To those behind this smear campaigns, we say: produce a shred of evidence or forever hold your claims! Your tactics are not only weak but dangerously irresponsible—relying on unfounded allegations to destroy what you can never build.”

“Let this be crystal clear:

“Dr. Kingsley Kuku was, is, and remains a stabilizer of national peace and unity.

“His global reputation as a conflict resolution expert and human rights advocate towers far above the reach of sponsored lies.

“The peace-loving people of Arogbo-Ibe and the broader Niger Delta stand with him—unshaken and unbroken.

“Furthermore, both Ebikontei and Stanley emphasized that there is no conflict whatsoever between High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and Dr. Kingsley Kuku. On the contrary, they enjoy a bond built on mutual admiration, patriotism, and shared service to the Niger Delta. “Any attempt to portray division between these two noble sons of the Niger Delta is the work of mischief-makers whose goal is to weaken the region’s united front against oil theft, sabotage, and insecurity,” they noted. “Tompolo and Kuku are not enemies – they are patriots on the same side of history.”

“High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) deserves accolades for his visionary and relentless pursuit of peace, security, and economic progress for the region. As the chief executive of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), his partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria has significantly curbed oil theft and restored pride to Niger Deltans. His enduring respect for fellow freedom fighters and bridge-builders like Dr. Kuku speaks volumes about his character and leadership maturity.

“Equally, Dr. Kingsley Kuku has no issues whatsoever with the esteemed PAP Administrator, High Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, PhD. Both men are focused, progressive-minded leaders who share a common vision for a stable, empowered Niger Delta. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a collective desire to serve the people, not self. Attempts to distort this cordiality are the handiwork of desperate enemies of peace.

“Indeed, Dr. Kuku, Tompolo, and Otuaro represent a rare breed of Niger Delta champions—men of honour who have sacrificed immensely for the peace and upliftment of the region. Their synergy is not just symbolic—it is strategic, purposeful, and unstoppable.

While mourning the loss of Ikerete Udo, a brave patriot who died protecting Nigeria’s oil assets, MRAI stated that grief must never be weaponized into political vendetta. “We commend Tantita Security Services for

standing with Udo’s family,” said Ebikontei, “but we will not condone any attempt to use this painful incident to settle political scores or vilify innocent men.”

“MRAI therefore demands the immediate removal of Hon. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, PhD’s name from that fraudulent petition. “Justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of lies and propaganda,” said Stanley.

“In conclusion, Ebikontei declared: “This insult will not be taken lightly. The people of Arogbo-Ibe will not sit back while our brightest sons are targeted by malicious forces too cowardly to fight in the open.”