IYC In Turmoil! “No Ijaw Youth Is Under Your Control!” Bokolo Fires Back At Doubra, Accuses Leadership Of Protecting Big Men While Abandoning Its Manifesto!
...“FOCUS ON YOUR MANIFESTO, NOT PROTECTING BIG MEN WITH DEEP POCKETS” — BOKOLO
By Passman Akpos
The National Leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, under the presidency of Comrade Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, has come under fresh criticism following its warning against what it described as flagrant disrespect, insults and social media attacks on respected Ijaw leaders.
Apostle Lelegite Bokolo, a Bayelsa State-based religious leader and political commentator, has challenged the council’s leadership, declaring that the IYC has no control over the conduct, opinions or political expressions of Ijaw youths.
Bokolo’s reaction comes against the backdrop of a strongly worded statement issued by the IYC National Leadership on November 5, 2026, warning individuals who allegedly engage in cyberbullying, name-calling and unprovoked insults against prominent Ijaw personalities.
In the statement signed by IYC National President, Comrade Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, and National Secretary, Dr. Ayebakuro Itari Igbeta, the council expressed concern over what it described as a growing culture of disrespect towards prominent Ijaw leaders on social media.
The council specifically mentioned several influential personalities, including Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo; Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo; King Ateke Tom; former President Goodluck Jonathan; the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dennis Otuaro.
The IYC warned that it was prepared to identify and take decisive action against individuals engaging in what it described as cyberbullying and unprovoked attacks against respected Ijaw figures.
However, the warning has generated controversy, with Bokolo questioning the council’s priorities and accusing its leadership of selective justice.
In his response, Bokolo stated:
“The National Leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, has no control over any Ijaw youth.
“They should focus more on their manifesto when they were campaigning for votes, and drop this selective justice, especially when it involves people with deep pockets.
“We are closely watching the activities of the IYC, and at the appropriate time, we will speak.”
Bokolo’s remarks have introduced a fresh dimension to the growing debate over the IYC’s responsibility to defend the interests of ordinary Ijaw youths while maintaining respect for established leaders and influential personalities within the Niger Delta.
SELECTIVE JUSTICE CONTROVERSY
At the heart of the controversy is the question of whether the IYC’s latest warning represents a genuine attempt to promote responsible communication or whether the council is prioritising the protection of powerful individuals over the grievances of ordinary Ijaw youths.
Bokolo’s accusation of selective justice raises questions about the council’s willingness to speak out when youths face alleged injustice, intimidation, economic hardship or mistreatment by influential personalities.
The IYC, however, maintained in its statement that it does not intend to take sides with politicians, public office holders or individuals with financial influence.
According to the council, it would equally defend less privileged Ijaw youths against oppression or unfair treatment if a clear case were established.
The council also acknowledged that freedom of expression, speech, thought and conscience are constitutionally guaranteed rights, while insisting that such rights must be exercised within the limits of the law.
Nevertheless, Bokolo’s challenge has intensified public scrutiny of the council’s leadership and its commitment to the manifesto presented during its campaign for office.
SOCIAL MEDIA REACTIONS: “THE STRUGGLE HAS BEEN MONETIZED”
The controversy has also attracted strong reactions from social media users, with some expressing anger over the IYC leadership and the direction of the Ijaw youth struggle.
Among the reactions circulating online are:
“Bunch of foolish shit.”
“The IYC President Doubra Collins Okotete is the most useless IYC President ever. E no go better ham. Useless Gbaramatu puppet.”
“The struggle has been monetized.”
The comments reflect the anger and frustration expressed by some social media users over the council’s leadership and its perceived priorities.
However, the comments represent individual opinions and should not be interpreted as the collective position of the Ijaw youth population.
THE BIG QUESTIONS FOR DOUBRA OKOTETE’S IYC
Bokolo’s intervention has placed the IYC leadership under renewed public scrutiny.
As the controversy continues, several questions are emerging:
- Is the IYC prioritising the protection of influential Ijaw leaders over the welfare and grievances of ordinary youths?
- What specific programmes and achievements has the Doubra Collins Okotete-led leadership delivered in line with its campaign manifesto?
- Does the council have the moral authority to threaten decisive action against youths expressing grievances online?
- How will the IYC distinguish between legitimate criticism of public figures and unlawful cyberbullying?
- Can the council demonstrate that its commitment to defending Ijaw interests extends equally to the powerful and the less privileged?
While the IYC has insisted that respect for Ijaw leaders is essential to preserving the unity and dignity of the Ijaw nation, critics argue that respect must not become a shield against accountability.
The unfolding controversy underscores a broader debate within the Niger Delta: whether youth leadership should prioritise the defence of established political and traditional figures or aggressively pursue accountability, justice and the welfare of ordinary people.
For now, Apostle Lelegite Bokolo has made his position clear: he believes the IYC should focus on its manifesto, abandon what he describes as selective justice, and recognise that Ijaw youths cannot be controlled by the council’s national leadership.
TARAKIRIVOICE NEWS will continue to monitor developments surrounding the controversy.
Without Fear Nor Favour.
