A first class traditional ruler in Rivers State, King Suanu Baridam has threatened to drag two youths from Ogoniland, Felix Giadom and Felix Poroma to court over alleged defamatory remarks against him.
Baridam, who is the chairman of Khana Traditional Rulers’ Council, accused Giadom and Poroma, who are leaders of a youth group, the Concerned Youths of Ogoni (CYO), of making reckless, malicious, and unfounded allegations against him.
The traditional ruler, in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, alleged that the two youth leaders accused him of sponsoring gangs allegedly responsible for killings and other criminal activities in Khana LGA.
The statement, which was signed by the media aide to the monarch, Dr. Dormene Mbea, issued a seven- day ultimatum to Giadom and Poroma to retract the allegations and tender an unreserved public apology to monarch.
It stated that the apology must be published and aired through three radio stations, three national newspapers and three local newspapers.
The statement reads: “The attention of His Majesty, the Gbenemene of the Ancient Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam, JP, has been drawn to a news report and public statements credited to one Mr. Felix Giadom, who purportedly spoke on behalf of the Concerned Youths of Ogoni, and Mr. Felix Poroma, Secretary of the group, wherein they made reckless, malicious, and unfounded allegations accusing His Majesty of sponsoring criminal gangs allegedly responsible for killings and other criminal activities in Khana local government area.
“His Majesty views these allegations as false, baseless, and highly defamatory. They are scandalous claims deliberately calculated to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a revered traditional ruler whose contributions to peace, community development, and the advancement of Ogoniland are widely acknowledged both nationally and internationally.
“For the avoidance of doubt, His Majesty has never maintained any relationship with any criminal gang, cult group, or individuals involved in unlawful activities. He has consistently stood for peace, justice, security, and the protection of lives and property across Bangha Kingdom, Nyokana District, Khana Local Government Area, and Ogoniland at large.
“As the Chairman of the Khana Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty has continually worked with government authorities, security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to promote peace, stability, and development throughout the region.
“It is therefore shocking and disturbing that such grave allegations, unsupported by any evidence whatsoever, could be levelled against a traditional institution and a monarch whose public record reflects an unwavering commitment to the welfare and progress of his people.
“Consequently, His Majesty hereby issues a seven (7) days ultimatum to Mr. Felix Giadom and Mr. Felix Poroma to retract these false and defamatory allegations and tender an unreserved public apology to His Majesty.
“The apology must be published and aired through three radio stations, three national newspapers, three local newspapers.
“Failure to comply with this demand within the stipulated period will leave His Majesty with no option but to institute appropriate legal proceedings against the individuals concerned for defamation and all other remedies available under the law.”
