Following the chaos and violence that marred the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone election on September 14 in Abuloma, Rivers State, opposing groups have erupted into conflict, each accusing the other of instigating the violence. The election, which was supposed to be a democratic process, spiraled into bloodshed as shootings occurred, leaving the council in disarray.
One faction, led by Edward Asikitamunoprim, a 2024 IYC Eastern Zone Chairmanship candidate, has openly condemned the election, labeling it as nothing short of a “sham.” In a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Asikitamunoprim called for the outright cancellation of the election, accusing the opposition of using violence and intimidation to manipulate the outcome. According to him, delegates were coerced into voting out of fear, and the entire process lacked transparency and fairness.
“Delegates were intimidated and threatened. They had to vote under the barrel of a gun. This election cannot stand, and I am calling for its immediate cancellation,” Asikitamunoprim declared, painting a grim picture of the election.
However, not everyone shares this view. In a swift reaction, the IYC Kalabari Se-Ikpangi issued a communiqué after an emergency Elders/Stakeholders Council meeting held in Obuama Community, Degema Local Council. The communiqué dismissed Asikitamunoprim’s claims as baseless, accusing him of trying to discredit a legitimate election simply because the results did not favor him. The group maintained that the election was conducted fairly and that Asikitamunoprim’s allegations were attempts to sow division within the IYC.
In the midst of these rising tensions, IYC President Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr has voiced his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and destruction of property that characterized the election. Speaking at a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Yenagoa, Lokpobiri decried the violence, blaming certain leaders for misinterpreting his calls for fairness as an attempt to impose a candidate loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.
Lokpobiri, flanked by IYC executives and zonal and chapter chairmen, clarified that he had no interest in meddling with the election outcome and denied allegations of trying to install a pro-Wike candidate. He reiterated that his only concern was for a level playing field to ensure all candidates could contest without fear or bias.
“I want to make it clear that I have no personal interest in the outcome of this election. All I ever asked for was a fair process where every candidate could compete freely. Any suggestion that I was trying to impose a candidate is entirely false,” Lokpobiri said.
He also emphasized that all candidates and officials are bound by a moral and sworn obligation to support Ijaw sons and daughters in political offices, and any actions contrary to this would be met with consequences.
Peoplesmind
