“Injury To One Is Injury To All” — Bayelsa Youths Rally Behind Daukoru And Ebilate
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA, BAYELSA — A growing wave of public support has emerged across Bayelsa State for aviation scholarship beneficiaries Kariyai Daukoru and Yebei Ebilate as their legal battle over the controversial aviation scholarship programme linked to businessman Dr. Eruani Azibapu continues to generate widespread attention.
The latest show of solidarity followed an online fundraising appeal initiated by Bayelsa youth advocate Perekeme Fidelis Perekeme Jnr, who called on members of the public to support Daukoru ahead of a crucial court hearing scheduled for June 26.
Sharing Daukoru’s bank details on social media, Perekeme thanked supporters for standing with the embattled beneficiary and emphasized the importance of collective action.
“There is power in unity. It can be anybody tomorrow,” he wrote.
The appeal quickly attracted hundreds of reactions, with many contributors expressing sympathy for the beneficiaries and arguing that the matter transcends personal grievances.
Some supporters suggested that if every individual who reacted to the fundraising appeal donated ₦1,000, substantial financial assistance could be raised to support the ongoing legal battle.
Others noted that support should not be limited to Daukoru alone, insisting that fellow beneficiary Yebei Ebilate, who has also publicly detailed alleged financial and personal losses linked to the programme, deserves equal assistance.
One supporter remarked, “They’re two, what about the other guy?”
Another contributor responded that Ebilate had also spoken out publicly and had allegedly endured significant hardship as a result of the controversy.
Several commentators described the case as a struggle against oppression and called for justice for both beneficiaries.
“Our current priority now is to handle his case coming up on June 26,” one supporter stated while encouraging further donations.
The growing support comes days after Ebilate alleged that participation in the aviation scholarship programme led to the collapse of businesses he operated before joining the initiative.
According to Ebilate, he was pursuing postgraduate studies while simultaneously managing commercial ventures, including transportation and cattle trading businesses, before accepting the scholarship opportunity.
He claimed that instructions to suspend his personal engagements and commit fully to a probationary work arrangement disrupted his livelihood and eventually resulted in severe financial losses.
Daukoru has also made a series of allegations against the organisers of the programme, claiming that promises of overseas aviation training failed to materialize despite extensive commitments made by participants.
The allegations have sparked intense debate across Bayelsa, with supporters arguing that the dispute raises critical questions about accountability, transparency and the implementation of youth empowerment initiatives.
Messages of support continued to flood social media, with several youth groups from Ogbia, Isampou and other communities declaring solidarity with the beneficiaries.
Some contributors praised activists and community leaders who have amplified the matter, while others urged authorities and stakeholders to ensure that justice is served.
One supporter described the controversy as “Bayelsa youths versus their oppressors,” while another stated that “injury to one is injury to all.”
As public interest continues to grow, some supporters have even suggested peaceful demonstrations to draw attention to the matter if concerns raised by the beneficiaries are not adequately addressed.
Meanwhile, the legal dispute remains before the courts.
Dr. Eruani Azibapu and the Azikel Group have previously challenged allegations made against them through legal channels and are entitled to the presumption of innocence and fair hearing under the law.
Observers say the outcome of the court proceedings could have far-reaching implications for scholarship administration, youth empowerment programmes and corporate accountability in Bayelsa State and beyond.
