IPDI calls for IYC President Lokpobiri’s impeachment for supporting Wike to insult Ijaw leaders 

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Renowned human and environmental rights organizations in Niger Delta Under the auspices of Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI has called for the immediate impeachment of the national president of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC for openly insulting Ijaw and Rivers State governor Sim Fubara.

The recent comments made by Jonathan Lokpobiri, the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), have sparked significant controversy and backlash from the Ijaw nation.

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has condemned his remarks, which they perceive as disrespectful and damaging to the interests of the Ijaw people. In a statement issued by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPDI called for Lokpobiri’s impeachment if he failed to resign, arguing that his alignment with Rivers State former Governor Nyesom Wike and his derogatory remarks about Ijaw leaders undermine the legitimacy of his position as the president of the IYC.

The controversy intensified when Lokpobiri, in a public forum, criticized Ijaw leaders for not holding Governor Fubara accountable to an agreement with Wike. He described their threats of conflict as empty, which further aggravated feelings within the Ijaw nation. The IPDI accused him of being a pawn for Wike instead of standing firm for the Ijaw struggle. They expressed concerns that Lokpobiri’s ties to Wike—especially admitting that Wike gives appointment to his elder brother as a minister and paying his bills for abroad trips—compromise his ability to authentically advocate for the Ijaw people.

The group questioned the IYC President of what efforts he made to use wisdom to address the rivers crisis as an Ijaw Youth leader rather than sitting on the fence or aligning with enemies against Ijaw nation.

IPDI further said Lokpobiri was only blaming and insulting Ijaw leaders to cover up his failures as IYC president.

In light of these developments, IPDI’s call for Lokpobiri’s immediate replacement indicates a growing disappointment within the Ijaw nation regarding Lokpobiri’s continuous representation and leadership in council.

The group’s statement implies a need for leadership that prioritizes the interests and unity of the Ijaw people rather than alliances perceived as self-serving or detrimental to their cause. This situation highlights the ongoing complexities of political dynamics within the region and the importance of strong, principled leadership in Ijaw Youth Council.