The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has become an embarrassment to the people of the Ijaw ethnic nationality. It is now a rogue organization with mostly cultists as the members. The once-focused youth body has metamorphosed into an association for destruction, killing and maiming. It is now also a transactional group, where the interest of every executive council is on how to make money to live ostentatiously.
The recent mayhem in Abuloma, Rivers State, which led to the death of over ten people, succinctly confirms the assertion that the IYC is on the path of ignominy. Nothing should have warranted such a massacre in an election that ought to be free, peaceful, and transparent. An election with less than five hundred delegates. But power struggle, external influence, and individual interests led to the unfortunate incident that could have been avoided.
The current executive council led by Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri must take responsibility for the Abuloma killings and seek the forgiveness of the people of that community and the Ijaw nation as a whole. So far, Lokpobiri and his ilk have not shown satisfactory remorse. Rather, the different factions of the council have been trading needles, blames, accusations, counter accusations, and suspending themselves in a manner that makes mockery of the victims.
In the recent past, we have seen similar events play out. We have seen division among those elected to run the affairs of the council at the national, zonal, clan, and chapter levels, but the latest incident is one too many. The IYC has an unconventional way of dealing with erring members, including some form of corporal punishment, which a former President of the council, Udengs Eradiri, once referred to on national TV; "we dey beat". But introducing killing is an all-time low for the 27-year-old organization.
Founded on December 11, 1998, in Kaiama, Bayelsa State as a sociopolitical organization to represent the interest of the Ijaw people, especially the youths. The core essence was for intense activism and agitation for the rights of Ijaw people who make up the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria. The IYC emerged as a response to the longstanding grievances over environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political disenfranchisement faced by Ijaw people and other communities in the Niger Delta.
After its formation and with Dr. Felix Tuodolo, emerging as the pioneer president, the IYC became a powerhouse and commanded great respect. Most key decisions taken by governments of Niger Delta states concerning the environment, security, oil, and gas had the input of the IYC. So it was with multinational and other companies operating in the region. They sought the opinion of the council and tailored their policies along that line.
The IYC, according to its motto, "By any means necessary," went after the collective interests of the people and achieved it. They defended Ijaw territories and created a peaceful environment to attract economic activities to communities in Ijaw land. An injury to one was an injury to all. Nobody dares challenge or undermine, in any way, the authority of the council. The fear of the IYC was "the beginning of wisdom." There was hardly any report or incident of business entities violating the customs and traditions of the people or abandoning projects and MoUs. It was then that companies were greatly alive to their corporate social responsibility.
All of those lofty goals have been made to fade. The IYC has shifted its focus from the ideals of its founding fathers and has refocused its modus operandi to suit selfish politicians and interests for filthy lucre. But that has to stop. There is an urgent need to save the IYC from complete destruction and reposition it to meet the expectations of the Ijaw people.
We therefore call on the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, to lead the charge as the "Governor General" of the Ijaw nation. He needs to set up a reform or review committee to transform the IYC and make it more purposeful. He should appoint only those with impeccable character and integrity to be members of the proposed committee.
But before then, Governor Diri should work alongside other leaders, and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to settle the cold war between Jonathan Lokpobiri and members of his executive council. This is the only way that peace can return for them to successfully serve out the remaining two years of their three-year tenure.
