Double Standards Exposed? Ben Emma Accuses Doubra Of Protecting Tompolo’s Interests While Ijaw Families Seek Answers!

By Passman Akpos

A fierce political confrontation has erupted within the Ijaw socio-political space as outspoken Niger Delta critic, Ben Emma, has launched a blistering attack on the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Doubra Okotete, accusing him of alleged hypocrisy, selective outrage, political sycophancy, and abandoning the fundamental responsibilities of the apex Ijaw youth body.

Emma, in a strongly worded statement, questioned Okotete’s moral authority to dictate who should be criticised or defended within the Ijaw nation, alleging that the IYC President was more interested in protecting the political interests of the Oporoza establishment and Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, than standing up for the rights, dignity, and welfare of ordinary Ijaw people.

The outspoken critic accused Okotete of allegedly positioning himself as a political shield for powerful individuals while failing to demonstrate the same level of courage in addressing issues affecting vulnerable Ijaw sons and daughters.

According to Emma, the IYC President’s recent posture against individuals criticising prominent Niger Delta personalities raises serious questions about the independence and credibility of the youth organisation.

He argued that an institution established to protect the collective interests of the Ijaw people must not become a platform for selective condemnation, political patronage, or the intimidation of individuals exercising their right to speak.

Emma recalled Okotete’s public warning against disrespecting prominent personalities, including King Ateke Tom, King Asari Dokubo, Government Ekpemupolo, Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator Dennis Otuaro, and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

However, Emma questioned why the IYC President allegedly failed to demonstrate the same urgency when other prominent Ijaw personalities, including Chief Victor-Ben Ebikabowei and Chief Ajube, were reportedly subjected to insults and public attacks.

He described the alleged double standard as evidence of what he called political sycophancy and selective outrage, insisting that the IYC presidency must not be reduced to an instrument for defending the interests of politically influential individuals.

MISSING IJAW MEN: BEN EMMA QUESTIONS OKOTETE’S SILENCE

In one of the most explosive aspects of his statement, Emma challenged Okotete over the reported disappearance of Balamene Karowei and Charles Korubo, alleging that the IYC President had failed to adequately address the matter despite the seriousness of the allegations surrounding their disappearance.

Emma alleged that the two men were abducted from Bayelsa State on the orders of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The allegation remains a serious claim that requires independent investigation and responses from the parties concerned.

Emma questioned why, according to him, the IYC leadership had allegedly remained silent for more than two years over the reported disappearance of the two Ijaw men, while simultaneously issuing warnings against public criticism of powerful Niger Delta figures.

He demanded that Okotete explain why the IYC had allegedly failed to make the recovery of the missing men a priority, publicly demand answers, and call for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding their disappearance.

The critic further insisted that the IYC must not abandon the families of missing Ijaw people while allegedly protecting individuals accused of wrongdoing.

Emma described the alleged silence as a painful betrayal of the trust reposed in the Ijaw Youth Council, arguing that the organisation’s primary responsibility should be to defend the lives, freedom, and dignity of Ijaw people, irrespective of the political influence of those implicated in allegations.

PAP: BEN EMMA DEFENDS EX-AGITATORS’ RIGHT TO QUESTION OTUARO

Turning his attention to the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Emma also defended the right of ex-agitators and beneficiaries to openly criticise the administration of Chief Dennis Otuaro and demand accountability over the management of the programme.

He argued that public officeholders must not be shielded from criticism merely because they occupy sensitive positions or enjoy the support of influential political figures.

Emma pointed to the reported increase in the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s budget from ₦65 billion to ₦115 billion, questioning why the increase in funding had allegedly not translated into corresponding improvements in the monthly stipends and welfare of ex-agitators.

He insisted that the additional ₦50 billion in budgetary allocation must be subjected to public scrutiny and that beneficiaries have every right to demand explanations concerning the management and utilisation of the funds.

According to Emma, the IYC leadership should be standing firmly with ex-agitators who are demanding improved welfare, timely payments, transparency, and accountability rather than allegedly attempting to silence those expressing dissatisfaction.

He maintained that Dennis Otuaro, like every public officeholder, must be prepared to answer legitimate questions concerning the management of the Amnesty Programme.

Emma stressed that criticism of public officials is not an act of disrespect but a fundamental component of accountability and democratic engagement.

“STOP SHIELDING POWERFUL INDIVIDUALS,” EMMA WARNS OKOTETE

In his concluding remarks, Emma warned Okotete against what he described as hypocrisy, political sycophancy, and the alleged abandonment of the collective interests of the Ijaw nation.

He urged the IYC President to abandon what he characterised as a puppet role and concentrate on the responsibilities of his office, particularly the protection of Ijaw lives, the promotion of justice, and the defence of the welfare of Ijaw youths.

Emma further called on Okotete to stop allegedly shielding individuals accused of kidnapping, operating private detention facilities, and involvement in the killing of Ijaw people, insisting that such allegations must be investigated by the appropriate authorities.

The critic maintained that no individual, regardless of political influence, wealth, or perceived contributions to the Niger Delta, should be above the law.

He warned that the alleged conduct of the IYC leadership was bringing embarrassment to the institution and undermining its credibility among Ijaw youths.

Emma insisted that the Ijaw Youth Council must not become a platform for political patronage or a shield for individuals facing serious allegations.

“THE IYC MUST STAND WITH THE PEOPLE, NOT ALLEGED CRIMINALS”

Emma concluded with a strong warning that the IYC must return to its foundational responsibilities and stop allegedly prioritising personal loyalties over the collective interests of the Ijaw nation.

He maintained that the council must defend the oppressed, demand justice for missing Ijaw people, support ex-agitators seeking improved welfare, and insist on accountability from every public officeholder.

“The IYC must stand with the people, not become a shield for criminals for the likes of Government Ekpemupolo and his associates,” Emma stated.

He warned that the credibility of the Ijaw Youth Council would continue to suffer if its leadership allegedly remained selective in its defence of the people and appeared more concerned about protecting powerful personalities than confronting issues affecting the Ijaw nation.

The controversy has further intensified the debate over the role of the IYC in the Niger Delta, with growing questions about whether the council is adequately representing the interests of ordinary Ijaw youths or becoming increasingly entangled in political loyalties and power struggles.

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