Following the violence that characterized the September 14 Ijaw Youth Council(IYC) Eastern Zone election in Abuloma, Rivers State, groups are at loggerheads over the outcome, accusing each other of masterminding the shooting.
While one faction called for the cancellation of the election which they claimed was marred by violence and intimidation, the other group has similarly suspended two people, warning the public to be wary of them.
On Wednesday, the 2024 IYC Eastern Zone Chairmanship candidate Comrade Edward Asikitamunoprim, who strongly condemned what he described as “violence and intimidation” that characterized the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) election called for the cancellation.
In a press conference on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Asikitamunoprim described the election as a “sham” and alleged that delegates voted under fear and intimidation.
He alleged an undue influence of a prominent warlord in the Kalabari bloc, in the election, alleging that the he wanted to foist somebody on them emphasizing that person selected a candidate outside the three nominated by a committee of 54 respected elders, leading to the violence.
He also alleged that the controversy surrounding the election began when warlord’s foot Soldiers, attempted to alter the traditional clan structure, reducing the number of clans from twenty to seven or fourteen, saying the move was rejected by other candidates and delegates.
According to him, the violence erupted when the Amama Soldiers, armed and masked, attempted to gain unauthorized access to the election hall in Abuloma but for the internal security personnel of Abuloma, who were determined to protect their community, confronted the invaders, leading to a bloody clash.
He recounted his own experiences, stating that after collecting his nomination form, he faced intimidation and threats from Asari. He claimed that he was shot at and matcheted several times, while his supporters suffered similar attacks.
He said: “Let me begin by stating that the election was done under very severe tension which led to delegates voting under fear and outright intimidation with eventual attendant cancellation of some of my votes.
” I was shot at and brazenly matcheted severally while many of my supporters equally suffered same fate. My only offense by their admission is that I refuse to allow an injustice in the selection process; one in which Alhaji Asari Dokubo decided to select a candidate outside the three selected by a properly constituted committee of fifty four of our respected elders in the Kingdom.”
Reacting the IYC, Kalabari Se Ikpangi in a communiqué issued after an extraordinary Elders/Stakeholders Council meeting held in Obuama Community, Degema LGA, debunked Asikitamunoprim claims.
In the meeting, attended by 150 representatives from the 33 towns and villages of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, was led by prominent chiefs and leaders, including Phillip Brown-Agu and Alabo Iboroma Wokoma.
Reading their position, Brown-Agu clarified that before the election a series meeting was held on 1st September 2024; and 3rd September 2024, where the Six (6) aspirants for the position of Zonal Chairman that was Zoned to the Kalabari Bloc of Clans comprising: (Kalabari, Udekema, Ke’ and Tombia) were rigorously evaluated based on agreed criteria.
Brown-Agu condemned the gross violation of rights of innocent Nigerians and brutality inflicted upon citizens who participated in the democratic process.
He explained that Prince Datolu Sukubo was selected, having met the necessary requirements, and the other five aspirants unanimously accepted the impartial decision of the Elders/Stakeholders Council.
He added that they subsequently signed a document affirming the objectivity of the selection of Prince Datolu Sukubo.
He said Asikitamunoprim, one of the five unfavoured aspirants, expressed his gratitude by the decision but surprisingly reversed his stance alongside Osima Paul Whyte.
Consequently, Brown-Agu declared that the duo were summarily suspended advising the public not to engage with them in any IYC-related activities.