Amidst growing tension and conflicting claims, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is currently facing a leadership dispute as two candidates assert their presidency. The recent election held to determine the 9th President of the IYC has resulted in both Dr. Jonathan Lokpobiri and Dr. Theophilus Alaye laying claim to the coveted position.
According to a report by Daily Report Nigeria, Jonathan Lokpobiri emerged as the winner of the keenly contested election that took place at Ijaw Ware in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State. Lokpobiri obtained 47 votes, surpassing his eight rivals to clinch victory. The election, which was initially scheduled for July 19, had to be postponed after former president Peter Igbifa abandoned the process midway.
However, the situation has taken a twist with Dr. Theophilus Alaye asserting that he is the rightful winner of the election. In a joint statement with ELECO chairman, Uran Solomon, Dr. Alaye called on all IYC members to disregard any rumors of a rescheduled election and reaffirmed that the election was successfully conducted on July 19, 2023. He emphasized that the process was in accordance with the agreement reached by all structures and stakeholders of the council.
On the other hand, some aggrieved candidates have expressed dissatisfaction with the election, claiming that they did not participate in the voting that allegedly occurred on July 19th. These candidates are advocating for a rescheduled election to address the perceived irregularities.
Dr. Theophilus Alaye’s statement refutes the notion of a rescheduled election, asserting that the NECOM/ELECO, responsible for conducting the elections, has been dissolved following the successful completion of the July 19th election. He is now urging security agencies, the Bayelsa State government, and critical stakeholders to intervene and prevent any attempts to factionalize the IYC, thereby creating tensions within the Ijaw nation, particularly in Bayelsa State.
In response to the unfolding events, Dr. Alaye reassures the Ijaw nation that the 9th NEC, under his leadership, is dedicated to addressing the crucial issues affecting the Ijaw people and steering the council in the right direction. He also calls upon all contestants and members of the council to unite and work together with the 9th NEC to advance the progress of the Ijaw nation.
The conflicting claims by Dr. Jonathan Lokpobiri and Dr. Theophilus Alaye have thrown the IYC into a state of confusion and uncertainty. The upcoming days will undoubtedly test the strength of the IYC’s leadership and the unity of its members as they strive to resolve the leadership dispute and move forward collectively. As the Ijaw Youth Council’s fate hangs in the balance, the nation watches with bated breath for a resolution to this gripping leadership crisis.
