The Koluama Clan Council of Chiefs-in- Council in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have thrown their weight behind their monarch, HRM King Solomon Ebifatei Edi (Kolu 11), who is facing charges of conspiracy and forgery, while urging the Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Yenagoa to declare him discharged and acquitted.
The Chiefs-in- Council in a statement signed by Chief Apostle Jonas D. Kwomo, (Okon ll), Chairmnan, Koluama Clan Council of Chiefs and (Hon.) Millionaire Kerimama General Secretary of Koluama Clan Council of Chiefs, the suit, No: YMC/306C/2023, which is between the Inspector General of Police versus HRM Solomon Ebifatei Edi and Mr. Mathew Sylvanus Bakana was filed by mischief makers not known to the kingdom.
Parts of the statement read “following recent attempts by a group of vet- to- ascertained mischief makers and their cohorts, within and outside Koluama Clan, to cast aspersions on the credibility and integrity of the lbenanawei of Koluama Clan, HRM King Solomon Ebifatei Edi, Kolu 11, with a view to causing confusion, promoting discontent and disharmony amongst the peace-loving communities that make up Koluama Clarn.
“The Koluama Clan Council of Chiefs-in- Council consider it a matter of sacred duty to preserve and sustain the mandate of HRM King Solomon Ebifatei Edi, Kolu 11, as Clan Head of Koluama Clan, without any reservations whatsoever; hence this Press Release.
“Therefore, on behalf of ourselves and the entire communities in Koluama Clan which we represent, we hereby wish to unequivocally restate the Koluama Clan Council of Chiefs’ unalloyed confidence in the headship and leadership of HRM King Solomon Ebifatei Edi, Kolu 11.
“Regarding on-going prosecution of our dear and most respected Clan Head before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Yenagoa in Charge No: YMC/306C/2023, that is (inspector General of Police v. HRM Solomon Ebifatei Edi, Mr. Mathew Sylvanus Bakana), with allegations of conspiracy and forgery. Suffice it to say they pleaded not guilty to the charge upon arraignment.
“We make bold to add that the said criminal allegations remain what they are- ALLEGATIONS. The prosecution is under a bounden duty to prove these allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
“As we all know, the Nigerian Constitution accords everyone accused of committing a criminal offence with the presumption of innocence until the accuser proves guilt. This is a Constitutional minimum which cannot be wished away on the platter of sensationalism.
“May we quickly add that we continue to have faith in the fairness and impartiality of the Court and expect HRM King Solomon Ebifatei Edi, Kolu 11, to be discharged and acquitted of the charge leveled against him and HH Sylvanus Mathew Bakana.
“In view of the foregoing, we urge all well-meaning citizens of the Clan to disregar stories making the rounds of any impending removal of HRM King Solomon Ebifati Edi, Kolu 1l, as Clan Head of Koluama Clan for any reasons now being spread abroad.
“As for those behind this sinister rumour, we are certain that the long arm of the law will catch up with them sooner than later. Our Confidence in the headship and leadership of Koluama Clan in HRM King Solomon Ebifatej Edi, Kolu 11, of koluama Clan therefore remairns total ind unshaken.”