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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ijaw youths in Bayelsa State are on a warpath over the demand for the release of a Bayelsan, Kariyai Daukoru, who is remanded in Kuje prison over cyberstalking allegations levelled against him by Dr Azipabu Godbless Eruani.
Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), central zone, Peres Ineife, had announced plans for a peaceful protest to the Bayelsa State Government House to urge Governor Douye Diri to intervene in the case.
Ineife, who did not disclose the date of the protest, explained that the objective of the protest is to peacefully appeal to Diri as the Governor-General of the Ijaw nation to explore an out-of-court resolution of the issue between Daukoru and Dr Eruani.
However, the Ijaw Youths for Development (IYD), an Ijaw socio-cultural watchdog and positive-minded, development-oriented youth organisation, has vowed to mobilise its members across the Ijaw ethnic nation to stage a massive demonstration in support of the prosecution of any Ijaw youth who has erred, irrespective of tribe or affiliation with any group.
IYD said it was actively monitoring the situation, warning that gangsterism is unacceptable to Ijaw youths.
The spokesperson of the IYD, Goodlife Owe, in a statement, pointed out that as Ijaw youths that are interested in development, the IYD is championing the cause of development, peaceful coexistence and justice in our society, and not encouraging or misleading the public into supporting acts of disrespect.
The IYD, therefore, called on the police and other security agencies to remain on high alert and apprehend elements planning to cause acrimony and a breakdown of law and order in the state.
It noted that Daukoru’s case was before a competent court and he should be allowed to face prosecution for the charges against him and defend himself in court rather than allegedly urging his associates to constitute a public nuisance under the guise of protest.
It informed the Bayelsa State Government and the Federal Government that while some groups may be planning demonstrations capable of causing public disorder, its members, who are responsible Ijaw youths, are equally prepared to demonstrate peacefully in support of justice, law and order.
