A youth activist in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ekeakita Chinem, has said he is prepared to defend in court allegations he made against the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Obagi Oilfields Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), Chief D.K. Hopeson.
Hector’s response followed Chief Hopeson’s threat to institute legal proceedings over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement made against the Trust.
Speaking with journalists, Hector maintained that his claims were factual and supported by evidence.
“I am not afraid of a lawsuit. Court is based on evidence. If you cannot prove your claims, you cannot indict anyone. I have documents to back up everything I posted. Let him get his legal team ready; I am ready too,” he said.
The activist said his actions were driven by the need to promote accountability and protect the interests of host communities in the Ekpeye Cluster.
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According to him, the Board of Trustees is accountable to the host communities and should not ignore allegations of misappropriation or marginalisation.
Hector also rejected allegations by Chief Hopeson that he was a blackmailer and a divisive figure within the Ekpeye ethnic nationality, describing the claims as attempts to divert attention from the issues he raised.
He further disclosed that he is considering petitioning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the financial activities of the Trust under Chief Hopeson’s leadership.
On allegations that he pressured the Board Chairman to award him a solar-powered borehole contract, Hector denied the claim, insisting that his company legitimately won the bid during the first phase of projects under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He alleged that despite emerging as the successful bidder, the contract was withheld following opposition from a traditional ruler in his community. Hector said he is also considering legal action over the alleged denial of the contract.
Meanwhile, the Obagi Oilfields Host Community Development Trust has denied all allegations levelled against it.
In a statement, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief D.K. Hopeson, described the allegations as false and a calculated attempt to damage the reputation of the Trust.
Hopeson said records relating to the disputed contract were available for verification and insisted that Hector must provide documentary and oral evidence to substantiate what he described as “far-reaching criminal allegations.”
He added that his lawyers had been instructed to notify security agencies, describing Hector’s actions as cyberbullying and insisting that the activist would have the opportunity to prove his claims in court.
