By Idibhar Julius/Yenagoa
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, has pledged to rid the organization of individuals who exploit their membership for criminal activities.
This commitment is coming on the heels of the arrest of an IYC member, George Idumange (aka Pastor Brandy) in connection with the murder of Richard Ekpebu in Bayelsa State.
Lokpobiri emphasized the IYC’s dedication to upholding its integrity and reputation, adding that the IYC will not tolerate any attempt to drag the name of the organisation to the mud.
He said: “I must say that this is one of the saddest moment in the history of our Council. Why I feel this sad and grief is the victim of this dastardly act is one of us.
“To be candid, I quite happy with what the police had done and I will personally visit the Commissioner of Police and the person in charge of Operation Puff Adder, Chris for this painstaking efforts to unravel the mystery behind the death of one of us.
“And I pray that if the police is able to establish that Pastor Brandy is responsible for the death of one of us then let the heaviest weight of the law be applied and I pray nobody interfere with the justice system and how swiftly justice be served because there is no way to describe the height of evil.
“So it is one of the saddest moment for us and there will be no covering for anybody around this whole matter.
“The police is at liberty to do its job and the Council will fully support whatever the police and security agencies will need to unravel who is behind Ekpebu’s death.
“This is one way as part of enlightened function to sanitize the IYC of criminal elements who hide under the guise of being IYC members for their personal criminal activities. Some of us have all our live time struggled to build the reputation of ourselves and the IYC.
“Every Ijaw youths is allowed to be part of our struggles if they choose to but individual crime must be treated as individual crime I am saddened how the IYC name is repeatedly mentioned in a crime that is an individual crime of one of us.”
He commended the police for arresting the suspect in Lagos, expressing personal satisfaction with their efforts and pledging the IYC’s full support for investigations.
The IYC President stressed that individual crimes should not tarnish the organization’s reputation, stating, “Every Ijaw youth is allowed to be part of our struggles if they choose to but individual crime must be treated as individual crime..” He urged members aware of criminal activities to report them to authorities.
Lokpobiri advised Ijaw youths to be circumspect and vigilant, citing the need for surveillance given unreported crimes and security challenges in Bayelsa.
He formally warned against unauthorized use of IYC number plates or insignia for personal activities, instructing police to arrest and impound vehicles of offenders.
The president affirmed the IYC commitment to maintaining its integrity and reputation, highlighting ongoing efforts like building a skill development and training centre to support youths and appealed for collective action to promote what is right in the Ijaw nation and Niger Delta, rejecting facilitation of crime.
Lokpobiri expressed appreciation for Bayelsa State Governor’s disposition towards ensuring peace, stating the IYC aims to collaborate positively with the state government.
