Accountability For Politicians, But What About Yourself? Jonah Daumieye Dragged Into ₦1.05m Giveaway Controversy!
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE — A social media giveaway controversy involving Pastor and Architect Miebi Bribena and Bayelsa-based media personality and activist Jonah Daumieye has generated widespread reactions following allegations of financial mismanagement, breach of trust and the alleged diversion of funds meant for 100 selected beneficiaries.
Bribena has threatened to have Daumieye arrested if he fails to settle outstanding payments to beneficiaries within 72 hours, describing the situation as heartbreaking and an act of alleged wickedness.
The controversy reportedly centres on ₦1.05 million sent by Bribena to Daumieye for a Facebook “popcorn” giveaway involving 100 selected beneficiaries.
According to accounts circulating on social media, ₦1 million was designated for the beneficiaries, with each expected to receive ₦10,000, while the additional ₦50,000 was reportedly intended to cover handling expenses, transfer charges and compensation for the distributor’s efforts.
72 BENEFICIARIES ALLEGEDLY COMPLAIN OF NON-PAYMENT
In a statement attributed to Bribena, the donor claimed that approximately 72 out of the 100 selected beneficiaries had complained that they did not receive their promised payments.
Bribena alleged that Daumieye initially claimed to have credited 98 beneficiaries but allegedly failed to provide satisfactory transfer evidence when requested.
The donor further alleged that Daumieye subsequently paid eight beneficiaries following the emergence of the complaints.
“The greed of a single human being Jonah Daumieye is traumatising and heartbreaking,” Bribena reportedly stated.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I always send him the popcorn money with extra for him.
“I have received complaints from about 72 people out of 100 people that say they were not paid. He managed to pay eight of them yesterday.
“If Jonah does not sort this matter out in the next 72 hours, honestly, I will have him arrested. I will not take the fall for anybody anymore. This is total wickedness.”
The allegations have raised questions about the handling of the giveaway funds and the circumstances surrounding the reported failure to pay the selected beneficiaries.
ALLEGATIONS OF BENEFICIARY REPLACEMENT AND QUESTIONABLE TRANSFER RECEIPTS
In a separate commentary, social media commentator Fun-ebi Progress alleged that Daumieye had offered explanations concerning the distribution of the giveaway funds.
According to the commentary, Daumieye allegedly claimed that some beneficiaries were removed from the original list because he believed they did not support Bribena, with replacements reportedly selected in their place.
The commentator also alleged that Daumieye claimed to have mistakenly transferred money to some beneficiaries more than once.
More seriously, the commentary raised allegations of allegedly forged transfer receipts.
These claims have not been independently verified by Tarakirivoice Newspaper. However, they have intensified public scrutiny of the controversy.
Fun-ebi Progress criticised the alleged conduct, arguing that the incident raises broader questions about honesty, transparency and accountability in Nigerian society.
The commentator also questioned whether individuals who allegedly mishandle relatively small sums of money could be trusted with larger public resources.
BRIBENA REPORTEDLY CONFRONTS DAUMIEYE IN EKeki
In another account circulating online, social media user reportedly claimed that he personally located Daumieye at a drinking establishment along the link road between Osiri and Toolda roads in Ekeki on October 29, 2026.
He alleged that he confronted Daumieye over the outstanding payments and warned that failure to settle the beneficiaries within the stipulated 72-hour period would result in an arrest.
The post reportedly identified Daumieye’s residence as being close to Ekeki Station.
The circumstances of the alleged confrontation and whether any formal police complaint has been filed remain unclear.
PREVIOUS ALLEGATIONS RESURFACE
The controversy has also triggered additional allegations from individuals claiming to have had previous financial dealings with Daumieye.
One social media user alleged that Daumieye failed to complete a printing job after receiving payment in 2025, during preparations for the user’s late mother’s funeral.
The individual claimed that repeated attempts to contact Daumieye were unsuccessful and that the matter was eventually abandoned.
Other commenters have condemned the alleged handling of the giveaway funds, with some calling for law enforcement intervention and others describing the incident as a betrayal of public trust.
These separate allegations have not been independently established and should not be regarded as proven criminal conduct.
WHO IS JONAH DAUMIEYE?
Jonah Daumieye is described in publicly circulated biographical information as a Bayelsa State-based media personality, social critic and activist.
He reportedly served as Special Assistant on Media and Communication to Great Joshua MacIver, former All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election.
Daumieye has also reportedly been involved in political advocacy and public petitions, including allegations concerning local government allocations in Bayelsa State.
His reported background in activism has further intensified reactions, with some commentators questioning the apparent contradiction between public advocacy for accountability and the allegations surrounding the giveaway.
However, the allegations concerning the giveaway do not, by themselves, establish criminal guilt.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE BROKEN TRUST QUESTION
The unfolding controversy has reignited discussions about financial transparency in online giveaways, charitable distributions and informal money-handling arrangements.
For many observers, the central issue is not merely the amount involved but the trust placed in individuals to distribute funds intended for vulnerable or ordinary beneficiaries.
The allegations also highlight the importance of maintaining verifiable payment records, providing transaction receipts and ensuring that every designated beneficiary receives the promised funds.
As the 72-hour ultimatum reportedly issued by Bribena approaches, attention remains focused on whether the outstanding payments will be settled and whether the matter will be referred to law enforcement authorities.
Tarakirivoice Newspaper has not independently verified the alleged diversion of funds, the claims concerning forged receipts or the reported admission attributed to Daumieye. Jonah Daumieye’s response to the allegations was not included in the materials reviewed for this report. He should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The controversy remains a developing story.
