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WARRI, Nigeria – A political firestorm erupted in Delta State on Friday as leaders from the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency publicly lambasted longtime lawmaker Rt. Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, accusing him of sponsoring “false accusations” and “desperate propaganda” to silence growing discontent over his 24-year hold on power.

In a blistering open letter to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, a coalition led by Dr. Chief Ebimobowei Epobetebe dismissed a recent publication by a group calling itself “Concerned Citizens of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency for Good Governance,” which alleged that the local council chairman and a prominent businessman were financing protests against Mutu.

The signatories labeled the allegations a politically motivated diversion, arguing that the real crisis in the constituency is Mutu’s representation, or lack thereof, since 1999.

“The continuous protests, consultations, and agitations being witnessed across the constituency are spontaneous expressions of frustration by citizens who believe the time has come for a paradigm shift,” the letter reads in part. “Attempting to reduce the genuine anger and democratic expressions of the people to sponsored activities only exposes the desperation of those who now see every opposing voice as a threat.”

The group singled out High Chief Victor Wayles, a respected businessman and philanthropist, and Hon. Rawlings Dagidi Andaye, Chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area, as innocent leaders being “recklessly dragged” into what they called the “politics of self-centeredness and fear-driven propaganda.”

Neither Mutu nor the “Concerned Citizens” group could be immediately reached for comment. But the letter’s tone leaves little room for reconciliation, describing Mutu’s camp as a “dying horse” delivering its “last kick.”

The coalition made clear that the people of Bomadi/Patani are politically conscious enough to demand change without manipulation, and urged Governor Oborevwori to protect the democratic rights of all aspirants and citizens.

“Resorting to blackmail and emotional manipulation cannot erase the obvious truth,” the letter concluded. “Many citizens across the constituency are demanding inclusiveness, fresh ideas, accessibility, and a new era of purposeful representation.”