“I Didn’t Call the Protest, I Chose to Join It” — Tonye Isenah Responds to Wisdom Ikuli
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA — Former Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Emmanuel Isenah, has disclosed that several behind-the-scenes efforts were made to peacefully resolve the dispute surrounding the Azikel aviation scholarship controversy before he publicly declared support for the planned “Free Kariyai” solidarity march.
In a fresh statement released after an earlier open letter from political commentator Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli appealed to him to withdraw from the protest, Isenah said he and other stakeholders had participated in multiple mediation efforts that ultimately failed.
According to him, committees were constituted and several telephone engagements were held in an attempt to broker peace between the parties involved.
“If some of you know the offline mediations some of us have tried to do, and are still doing, the committees we set up to mediate, the calls we make to ensure this matter is settled,” Isenah wrote.
He said the mediation process became ineffective after Bayelsa youth activist Kariyai Daukoru was denied bail, describing the reasons advanced for the refusal as unconvincing.
“It was at that point I decided to join the peaceful march to appeal to a higher authority to come in and help mediate and solve this matter,” he stated.
Isenah clarified that he did not organise the proposed protest but merely announced his intention to participate in what he described as a peaceful demonstration.
“I am not the one who called for the protest. I only said I will be part of it,” he explained.
He also revealed that he would be attending his community’s Odi Ogori Ba Uge Festival, expressing hope that developments surrounding the celebrations might even make the planned protest unnecessary.
Responding to criticism and online attacks, the former Speaker cautioned against abusive political rhetoric, warning that today’s circumstances could affect anyone tomorrow.
He further renewed his appeal for Kariyai Daukoru to be granted bail, arguing that the dispute could still be resolved through dialogue once the activist regained his freedom.
Isenah also expressed concern over reports regarding conditions at the Kuje Correctional Centre, stating that he believed non-violent defendants should not be unnecessarily remanded there while legal proceedings continue.
His latest intervention comes barely a day after Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli published an open letter urging him to reconsider participating in the solidarity march.
In the letter, Ikuli argued that respected leaders should work towards de-escalating tensions rather than taking public positions capable of deepening divisions.
Ikuli maintained that Azikel Group President, Dr. Eruani Azibapu, initiated the aviation scholarship programme with good intentions and described him as a philanthropist whose contributions to Bayelsa youths should not be overlooked.
He also contended that the dispute had evolved beyond concerns over delayed aviation training into what he described as a broader campaign against Azikel Group and its founder.
While noting that he had previously criticised Kariyai Daukoru’s remand and supported resolving the matter outside the courts, Ikuli maintained that protests and counter-protests were unlikely to produce lasting peace and instead urged renewed dialogue.
The exchange between both prominent Bayelsa figures comes ahead of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone’s planned “Free Kariyai” solidarity walk scheduled to hold in Yenagoa.
The controversy has continued to polarise public opinion across Bayelsa State, with supporters of Kariyai Daukoru demanding his release and alleging injustice, while supporters of Dr. Eruani Azibapu insist the businessman acted in good faith and should not be publicly condemned before the courts determine the facts.
The legal dispute remains before competent courts. Kariyai Daukoru is facing criminal charges relating to alleged cyberbullying and criminal defamation following a petition by Dr. Eruani Azibapu. Daukoru has denied the allegations. Separate civil proceedings between the parties are also ongoing.
Under Nigerian law, all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the issues raised by both sides remain subject to judicial determination.
