BREAKING: IYC Confirms Monday ‘Free Kariyai’ Protest, Orders Members to Assemble
By Passman Akpos
The Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone, Peres Ineife, has reaffirmed that the planned solidarity walk in support of Bayelsa-based activist Kariyai Daukoru will go ahead on Monday, urging members and supporters to turn out in large numbers.
According to a message circulated by the IYC leadership, participants are expected to converge at Ekeki Park by 8:00 a.m. before embarking on the peaceful solidarity walk.
“As promised, the solidarity walk shall be carried out on Monday. Ekeki Park by 8am,” Ineife announced, adding that members should mobilise in line with the directive of the council’s leadership.
Emphasising the need for unity, the IYC chairman stated: “We must stand with Kariyai without hesitation. Today it is him, tomorrow it could be any of us.”
The announcement sparked enthusiastic reactions among supporters, with many expressing their readiness to participate in the demonstration.
Some supporters responded with messages such as, “We’re walking together in solidarity,” “I am ever ready,” and “I will be there,” while another supporter lamented being out of town and unable to join the march.
The planned walk follows an earlier declaration by Ineife that the IYC Central Zone would lead a peaceful protest to the Bayelsa State Government House to appeal to Governor Douye Diri to intervene in the legal dispute involving Kariyai Daukoru.
As previously reported by Tarakirivoice, the organisers said the objective of the protest is to seek an amicable, out-of-court resolution of the matter, while also calling for Daukoru’s release and other demands they believe would promote justice and youth development.
The planned protest has generated mixed reactions. Supporters argue that peaceful demonstrations are protected under Nigeria’s Constitution and remain a legitimate avenue for expressing public concerns. Others have urged caution, noting that the matter is currently before the courts and emphasising the importance of respecting the judicial process while encouraging dialogue between the parties.
Kariyai Daukoru is facing criminal charges relating to alleged cyberbullying and criminal defamation following a petition by Dr. Eruani Azibapu Godbless, President of Azikel Group. Daukoru has denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence and describing the prosecution as an attempt to pressure him into abandoning his pending civil action.
Both the criminal and civil cases remain before competent courts, and no final judgment has been delivered. Under Nigerian law, all parties are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
