Some stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have called for the cancellation of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC Eastern Zone election held on September 14, 2024, alleging that the exercise lacked the cardinal ideals and features that define free, fair and credible elections.
They accused former IYC President, Alhaji Asari Dokubo of using his private security outfit popularly known as “Amama soldiers” to intimidate, harass and unleash violence which led to the death of several Ijaw sons with many others critically injured at Abuloma kingdom
Addressing newsmen after the elections which they claimed was characterised by blood bath, Comrade Edward Asikitamunoprim, who alleged that he was also attacked and almost killed by the Amama soldiers said their action was in line with a well drafted script aimed at rigging the election in favour of Asari Dokubu’s preferred candidate, Datolu Sukubo.
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Asikitamunoprim who was among the Frontline contenders in the election said Sukubo’s participation in the exercise violated number 13 of the IYC electoral guidelines as he was clearly not one of the three candidates cleared by the 54-member screening committee which consists of prominent Ijaw elders.
While commiserating with the families of those who lost their lives during the violent attack on September 14, comrade Asikitamunoprim described the action of Asari Dokubo and his Amama Soldiers as a direct affront on the values of IYC veterans who stood firm in the struggle for self-determination and resource control.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
