IYC in Turmoil: Secretary Blames Group’s Ex-President for Election Chaos, Demands Minister’s Ouster

Gifted Markson

The Secretary General of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Comrade Maobuye Nangi Obu, has accused the former national president of the IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, of orchestrating violence that led to the death of over 10 Ijaw youths following the Eastern Zone elections held on September 14, 2024, in Abuloma, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

During a press briefing held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Obu recounted the events leading up to the fatal violence that erupted after the IYC Eastern Zone election, alleging that Lokpobiri, along with his cousin, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, was responsible for the chaos.

Obu stated that the election, originally scheduled for September 7, was meant to be held in Opobo Town, Rivers State, with all aspirants present. However, Jonathan Lokpobiri, who was not authorized to intervene, abruptly suspended the election when it became clear that his preferred candidate, Asikitamunoprim Edwards, would lose.

“Jonathan Lokpobiri grabbed the microphone and halted the election, despite not being the electoral umpire. He had no authority to do that, but he wanted to protect his candidate, Edwards, who was losing,” Obu said.

Following this, attempts by the IYC leadership to reschedule the election in neutral locations such as Okochiri and Obuama were rejected by Jonathan Lokpobiri, leading to the chaotic election held in Abuloma on September 14.

“When we arrived at Abuloma, we saw cultists mobilized by Edwards’ supporters, chanting and dancing. After the election results were announced and a winner declared, Jonathan Lokpobiri left the venue. Shortly after, violence broke out, with gunshots everywhere. Many of us narrowly escaped with our lives. Several people died, many were injured, and my car was destroyed,” Obu recalled.

The Secretary General further accused Lokpobiri of a long-standing pattern of violent behavior, recalling an incident 11 years ago during which people died when Lokpobiri lost an election to Udens Eradiri.

Obu also alleged that Heineken Lokpobiri played a role in fueling the violence, accusing him of using his position as Minister of State for Petroleum to support his cousin, Jonathan Lokpobiri, in destabilizing the IYC.

Obu highlighted the sacking of key Ijaw figures, Engr. Adokiye Tombomieye, and Engr. Simbi Wabote, from their positions in the oil sector under Heineken’s watch, replacing them with individuals from the Itsekiri ethnic group.

“Heineken Lokpobiri has failed the Ijaw people. He is more interested in his political ambitions, particularly his bid to become the governor of Bayelsa State, than in protecting the interests of Ijaw youths. Under his leadership, Ijaw people in the oil sector are being sacked and replaced by Itsekiri,” Obu stated.

Obu called for the immediate removal of Lokpobiri from his ministerial position, citing his failure to address the economic hardship faced by Nigerians due to the hike in petroleum prices, and his lack of action to safeguard the interests of Ijaw people in the oil sector.

“Under Heineken’s watch, the suffering of Nigerians has worsened. The oil sector is collapsing, and Heineken is doing nothing,” Obu added.

The Secretary General concluded by affirming the IYC’s support for the Rivers State Governor, emphasizing that the IYC Eastern Zone remains fully committed to the leadership of the state.

This press briefing has exposed deep divisions within the IYC, with accusations of financial mismanagement, political interference, and violence casting a shadow over the council’s leadership.

As tensions continue to rise, the future of the IYC and its leadership remains uncertain.