Abraka 2027: D-Monds boss, Oruese Backs Ibani, Urges Youths to Shun Online Attacks

Chief Executive Officer of D-Monds Hotels, Engr. Egbeji Richmond Oruese, has reaffirmed his support for Hon. Felix Erhimedafe, popularly known as Ibani, in the race for the newly restored Abraka State Constituency, while cautioning youths and political supporters against escalating political tensions through social media attacks.

Oruese made the remarks while hosting the Street Boys and Girls Movement, led by Comr. Egheneji Oghenegweke, during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening grassroots collaboration and mobilising support for the Ibani constituency project.

Speaking at the meeting, Oruese, who described himself as an Ibani supporter, said his political commitment had been reinforced by his assessment of developments on the ground and the opportunities presented by the restoration of Abraka State Constituency.

He described the emergence of two representatives for Ethiope East, instead of the single representative previously anticipated, as a significant opportunity for the people, particularly the youths.

According to him, the development should inspire unity and political cooperation rather than rivalry and violence among supporters of different aspirants.

“My candid advice and my plea to every youth in Ethiope East is to see this as a bonus to us. There is no need to fight ourselves because we were having one and we were okay with it, and now we have two,” he said.

The D-Monds Hotels CEO urged supporters of the various contenders to embrace democratic competition and allow the electorate to determine who represents them, rather than resorting to hostility.

Oruese expressed concern over the exchange of insults among political supporters on social media, warning that such behaviour could undermine the collective political aspirations of Ethiope East.

He argued that political ambitions, particularly the aspiration to produce a senator from Ethiope East, require broader political engagement and cooperation beyond the local government.

“If you are limiting yourself to abusing ourselves within Ethiope East, it means we can’t have a senator from Ethiope East. If you truly want to have a senator from Ethiope East, you will go beyond Ethiope East to campaign,” he stated.

He appealed to youths to exercise restraint in their online engagements and personal interactions, stressing that political differences should not degenerate into bitterness or division.

Oruese also challenged the Street Boys and Girls Movement to channel its energy into grassroots mobilisation, noting that the strength of a political movement should be demonstrated through its organisation and performance at the polls.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Comr. Egheneji Oghenegweke, said the movement visited Oruese to familiarise itself with him and establish a working relationship ahead of the Abraka State Constituency election.

Oghenegweke described the movement as a nationwide organisation with a grassroots presence in Ethiope East, adding that its local chapter was prepared to collaborate with Oruese in mobilising support for Ibani and other APC candidates.

“We see you and we know vividly that you are a great supporter of Ibani. We decided to come to let you know that if you can give us the chance to work with you, we will deliver your candidates,” he said.

He further declared the movement’s intention to mobilise votes for APC candidates across Ethiope East, citing its network of local government executives, ward coordinators and unit-level structures as the foundation of its grassroots capacity.

According to him, some wards have between 18 and 30 units, with coordinators and executives working at the unit level to facilitate mobilisation.

The meeting underscored the growing political engagement surrounding the newly restored Abraka State Constituency, with Oruese’s message highlighting support for Ibani alongside a call for peaceful campaigns, responsible social media conduct and unity among the people of Ethiope East.