Bayelsa Boils: IYC Mobilises for ‘Free Kariyai’ Protest, Urges Gov. Diri to Intervene
By Passman Akpos
The Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, Peres Ineife, has announced plans for a peaceful protest to the Bayelsa State Government House, calling on Governor Douye Diri to intervene in the ongoing legal case involving Bayelsa-based activist Kariyai Daukoru.
According to Ineife, the planned demonstration is intended to peacefully appeal to the governor, whom he described as the “Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation,” to facilitate an amicable, out-of-court resolution of the dispute.
“The IYC Central Zone will lead a peaceful protest to Government House to appeal to the Governor to intervene on this matter as soon as the Governor arrives. This is a promise,” Ineife declared.
The proposed protest, tagged “Free Kariyai Daukoru Protest,” has generated significant debate across social media, with supporters describing it as a legitimate exercise of citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly, while others cautioned against actions that could be perceived as interfering with matters currently before the courts.
Among the demands outlined by the group are the unconditional release of Kariyai Daukoru, the withdrawal of all criminal charges against him, the provision of a government-sponsored aeronautical scholarship abroad, automatic employment with Bayelsa’s proposed state-owned airline upon completion of his studies, and compensation for what supporters described as the emotional, physical and social hardship allegedly suffered by the activist.
The organisers urged Governor Douye Diri to consider the demands in the spirit of promoting peace and demonstrating his administration’s commitment to youth development.
However, reactions to the planned protest have been mixed.
Some supporters welcomed the initiative, arguing that peaceful protests remain a constitutional means of seeking fairness and drawing attention to perceived injustice, provided they do not seek to influence the outcome of judicial proceedings.
Others, including legal-minded commentators, expressed reservations, noting that the matter is currently before the courts and warning that public demonstrations could raise concerns because the case is sub judice. They instead encouraged dialogue aimed at achieving an amicable settlement between the parties.
Several contributors suggested that efforts should first focus on encouraging both Kariyai Daukoru and Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless, President of Azikel Group, to explore the possibility of withdrawing their respective legal actions if an agreement can be reached.
The development comes days after the Wealth and Development Creation Group (WADCG) commended the judiciary over its handling of the criminal defamation and alleged cyberbullying case involving Daukoru, while the activist’s wife publicly maintained his innocence and appealed for public and financial support following the adjournment of his bail ruling until July 21, 2026.
The dispute, which has attracted widespread public attention in Bayelsa State, centres on allegations of cyberbullying and criminal defamation filed against Daukoru following a petition by Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless. Daukoru has denied the allegations, insisting he committed no offence and describing the prosecution as an attempt to pressure him into abandoning his pending civil suit.
Both the civil and criminal proceedings remain before competent courts, and no final judicial determination has been made. Under Nigerian law, all parties are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
