How The Ijaw Youth Council Grew To A Widely And Forceful Movement In Niger Delta–Kuku

TRACKING ___The Ijaw Youth Council, otherwise named I.Y.C. in her Constitutional Article 1, Section 2; has crisscrossed many a turbulent river to attain, unarguably, the status of the most potent Youth Movement in Nigeria and Black Africa from the ‘90s to date.

Not unlike many a mass movement, there has been highs and lows, articulate and near moribund seasons, strategic errors and self- inflicted damage, and greatly inspiring years. In our imperfect but determined struggle, this Council has produced and lost many greats and geniuses. The IYC remains strong in the hearts of the determined.

The IYC Moments of the chemical grammarian, Comrade Timi Kaiser Wilhem-Ogoriba, leader of MOSIEND, fearlessly leading us in freedom marches on the streets of Port Harcourt and Yenagoa ; the IYC that emboldened our peaceful, organized and calculating President, Felix Okubo Tuodolo (Ph.D) to lead physically, under my osainkariship the heroic closure of oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.

The IYC that caused our ever-militant President, Alhaji Asari Mujahid Melford Dokubo-Goodhead to sing, dance and tie “alou bide” on Mbiama Road against military blockade; the IYC that transformed the late Comrade Nelson Azibonalari from the great intellectual he was into an egbesu-screamer on our way to our mobile parliament around Kaiama City.

Yes, I mean that IYC that inspired Comrades Famous Daunemigha and Ebi Waribigha (Skido) to physically go after armed robbers who dared block Benin-Sapele-Warri Expressway; the IYC of Sergeant Weri Digifa who mysteriously amazed invading troops at Agip Estate; the IYC of Mama Primerose who was almost murdered and imprisoned.

The IYC that held our brother, then MILAD of Delta State, Navy Captain Walter Feghabo spellbound in oratory at our struggle headquarters, Bomadi City; yes that IYC that unconsciously made the TDM of AGIP, Burafato to remove his necktie and publicly surrendered to us as sign of respect and reverence under the leadership of President Asari Dokubo during the Famous Port Harcourt March that rattled the Commander Obielum Squad; really.

Am talking of the IYC that marched fearlessly into the government house of Bayelsa State, even under military dictatorship to release ijoically with Songs and dances of “asanda, poupere , opueru and muda wai bou “ her leader, Comrade T. K. Ogoriba ; Just that IYC that gave birth to our leader, Barrister Oronto Nante Douglas, the Napoleonic orator who dragged the microphone from and with then sitting President of Nigeria , General Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR at Port Harcourt.

That IYC lives. It lives because you were all there as foot soldiers, songsters, dancers and boat operators. This IYC is same that many died for in and with ecstatic hope and promise. We cannot afford to lackluster again comrades.

I, wholeheartedly, thank and appreciate Barristers Eric Omare and Oweilaemi Pereotubo, for fulfilling, though late, the dictates of my beloved B.F. quote”there is no bad peace, no good war….”. You have finally cast your names in Ijaw platinum annals.

Thanks for individually waiving your rights as enshrined in Article 9, Section 3(f) of our Constitution. I urge you all to selflessly cement the peace process to a unifying conclusion. God Almighty shall bless and direct your paths to greater heights of service. Amen.

Kingsley Kuku, in his determination to conduct a free, fair and credible election said: “My BOLD PLEDGE in this process and election is IMPARTIALITY & FAIRNESS to ALL. I shall NEVER participate in ANY PROCESSES of ENDORSEMENTS, SELECTION and IMPOSITION of ANY ASPIRANT (s) against others. I shall favor NONE against another. I urge ALL Council Elders (former leaders) to stay off same.

“Anybody or group of former leaders recruiting or soliciting the direct or indirect participation of Bayelsa State or Rivers State Government would ONLY destroy the credibility of the process and outcome. And such incapacitates eventual leaders and actions.

“The legal age for membership of IYC is enshrined in Article 3, Section 1 as from 18 to 45 years. I am no longer a legal member of IYC, you are not too. We are ONLY constitutionally empowered to ADVISE, so be it.

“They followed and served us for years, let them freely , fairly and justly elect their leaders and take direct responsibility for better for worse. I shall comply fully, hopefully, you ALL would. Let us treasure Peace.

“I urge members of Council to exhibit understanding and commitment to the harrowingly uncertain times we are as a people. Courageously show the world you are leaders of today, not waiting idly for any prophetic tomorrow, overspent by unaging olds.

“You are challenged. Despite our imperfections, the IYC, you and I, have made progress; we are better than yesterday, and we shall make tomorrow best. Do not allow those who see nothing good in you, us; people who know nothing about us, our imperfect struggles, writing and claiming scenarios and events they know little of, “beleing “ our history by their unnoticed egos.

“We were the so-called pirates, thieves, hooligans, dropouts, crooks and layabouts of the nineties; many died, we are alive, still imperfect, to correct our mistakes and errors, redefine our vision and mission, and consolidate in the truth of our promise to the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality. Stand tall, reject lowly monetary inducements and elect your leaders empowered by the people’s power, your power. I trust and love you all”, he stated.