Call for IYC president impeachment intensifies as MRAI joins forces with IPDI, slams Jonathan of being disgrace to Ijaw nation

By Don Solomon, Yenegoa

The Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI), led by its Coordinator, Hosea T. Ebikontei, has issued a strong condemnation to the reckless comments of the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri in the recent video, describing him as being disgraceful to the Ijaw nation.

According to a statement released by the group, the MRAI noted that Lokpobiri’s conduct has severely undermined the integrity and objectives of the IYC, an organization established to advocate for the rights and development of the Ijaw people.

The group said reports had surfaced alleging Lokpobiri’s involvement in financial misconduct and abuse of power, with accusations that he held clandestine meetings with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. These alleged actions, according to the MRAI, compromise the credibility of the IYC leadership and betray the trust of the Ijaw nation, adding that he should be impeached.

The group further expressed sadness over the violent events of September 14, 2024, in Abuloma, where several Ijaw youths were reportedly maimed and killed during the IYC Eastern Zone elections. The MRAI attributed the incident to Lokpobiri’s alleged lack of leadership capacity and selfish governance style, stating that his actions have led to increased disunity within the IYC.

As a result, the MRAI has advised key Niger Delta stakeholders, including the leadership of the Amnesty Office, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to distance themselves from Jonathan Lokpobiri’s unlearned and uncultured activities as to preserve the unity and integrity of the Ijaw nation, stressing that the continued association with an individual accused of consistently betraying the trust and aspirations of the Ijaw people, they argued, is both detrimental and unacceptable.

In solidarity with the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), the MRAI has joined the call for the immediate sack or impeachment of Jonathan Lokpobiri. According to the statement, the Ijaw nation deserved a leader who embodies transparency, accountability, and unwavering dedication to the people’s cause.

However, as this controversy unfolds, political observers and stakeholders await Lokpobiri’s response to the allegations, even as calls for his removal continue to intensify across the Niger Delta region.