December 17, (THEWILL) – The Watchdog for Progressive Ijaw has accused Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, of instigating a crisis within the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide by recognising Dr. Theophilus Alaye as the council’s president.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Lambert Olambo, WPI expressed shock over Fubara’s recent reception of Alaye at the Rivers State Government House on December 11, where he was addressed as the IYC President.
Olambo described the governor’s actions as a betrayal of his office and a deliberate provocation, questioning the rationale behind Fubara’s decision to endorse Alaye despite an ongoing court case challenging his legitimacy.
Olambo criticised Fubara for failing to conduct due diligence, accusing him of acting on hearsay, blackmail, and gossip rather than credible information.
He argued that the governor’s actions undermined the unity of the IYC and showed disregard for the organization’s internal processes.
“By this singular act, Governor Fubara has betrayed the confidence reposed in him as a leader expected to unite the Ijaw youths. Instead, he has chosen to descend into the arena of political intrigue for his convenience,” Olambo stated.
The WPI reaffirmed Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Jnr. as the only authentic President of the IYC, stating that he was duly elected in a constitutionally valid congress and had been recognized by all structures of the council and stakeholders of the Ijaw nation.
According to Olambo, Alaye’s claim to the presidency is currently under judicial review, making Fubara’s recognition of him both reckless and legally inappropriate.
“It is common knowledge that Lokpobiri remains the subsisting IYC President pending the outcome of the court case. Governor Fubara’s decision to recognize Alaye is both provocative and an overreach,” he said.
He cautioned Fubara against dragging the IYC into Rivers State politics, stressing that the council is not a political organization.
“There is no crisis in the IYC. Jonathan Lokpobiri has been recognized by all IYC structures and stakeholders. No amount of lies, propaganda, or political convenience can change this fact,” the statement read.
WPI warned that attempts to politicize the IYC for personal or political gain would be resisted, urging Fubara to focus on fostering unity and peace among the Ijaw people.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
