“You Have No Moral Authority to Silence the People” – Ben Emma Tells Okotete
Ben Emma has launched an attack on Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President, Doubra Okotete, accusing him of selective outrage, hypocrisy, and allegedly acting as a political puppet of the Oporoza establishment to silence Ijaw sons and daughters who speak out against alleged wrongdoing of Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo in the Niger Delta.
In a strongly worded statement, Emma questioned Okotete’s moral authority, accusing him of defending Tompolo against public criticism while deliberately ignoring insults directed at Chief Victor-Ben Ebikabowei, Chief Ajube, and other personalities.
Emma recalled Okotete’s public warning against disrespecting prominent individuals, including King Ateke Tom, King Asari Dokubo, Government Ekpemupolo, Dennis Otuaro, and former President Goodluck Jonathan, arguing that the IYC President’s selective response exposed what he described as political sycophancy and loyalty to his sponsors.
The outspoken critic also condemned Okotete for allegedly remaining silent over the reported disappearance of Balamene Karowei and Charles Korubo, whom he claimed were abducted from Bayelsa State on the alleged orders of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Emma questioned why the IYC President had allegedly failed to issue a statement on the disappearance of ijaw people for over 2 years and demand the release of the missing men and demand Tompolo face the law, while simultaneously positioning himself as a defender of those eating the flesh and drinking the blood of ijaw people.
He described the alleged silence as a betrayal of the fundamental responsibility of the IYC to protect the interests, dignity, and welfare of Ijaw people.
On the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Emma defended the right of ex-agitators to question their leadership and demand accountability over the management of the programme.
He pointed to the reported increase in the programme’s budget from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion, insisting that the additional funding should translate into tangible improvements in the monthly stipends and welfare of beneficiaries.
Emma maintained that Dennis Otuaro must be prepared to face criticism if the increased funding does not adequately benefit ex-agitators, stressing that accountability cannot be sacrificed in the name of protecting public officeholders.
In his concluding remarks, Emma warned Okotete against what he described as hypocrisy and sycophancy, insisting that the IYC President had no moral standing to dictate public discourse after allegedly abandoning the disappearance of ijaw people and the concerns of ex-agitators.
He urged Okotete to stop shielding individuals accused of involvement in kidnapping, running of private prison and killing of ijaw people, abandon what he called his puppet role, and concentrate on the responsibilities of his office.
Emma further cautioned that the IYC President’s conduct was bringing embarrassment to the institution, calling on him to prioritize the collective interests of the Ijaw people over personal loyalties and political patronage.
The IYC must stand with the people, not become a shield for criminals for the likes of Government Ekpemupolo and his associates. He stated
