Yenagoa—President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, on Saturday, visited HRH Peremobowei Yeseibo (Ibolu XII), Amananawei of Obunagha community in Gbarain Kingdom, Bayelsa State.
“The late Professor Kimse Okoko who once led the INC is from Obunagha, so this community is a part and parcel of the Ijaw struggle. I am therefore glad to be in your midst,” Lokpobiri said.
He noted that the 9th National Executive Council of the IYC swore an oath to protect the lives and livelihood of the Ijaw people, hence would not deviate from the tenets of the Ijaw struggle.
“Call us to order if it seems we are deviating,” said Lokpobiri while pleading with the king to guide the 9th leadership of IYC.
According to him, “We are servants to all the leaders and communities of the entire Ijaw nation. So count on us for any action against any oppressor of the Ijaw nation.
“However, we have to fight treacherous people amongst us who fight against our unity and progress. This community will succeed as long as it remains united.”
While speaking earlier, the monarch congratulated Lokpobiri on his election as IYC president and expressed confidence that his leadership will take the Ijaw nation to a progressive level.
He recalled the huge sacrifice paid by founding fathers and deities of the Ijaw nation and also harped on the need to reorient contemporary Ijaw youths.
He also used the visit to inform the IYC president that “We are planning a protest which might probably attract your attention. And we may really need your support in playing an active role for us to achieve what we actually want to agitate for,” he said.
The monarch assured Lokpobiri of the community’s support and prayed for him to “succeed in all your struggles to improve the wellbeing and welfare of the Ijaw nation.”
Lokpobiri was accompanied by the Deputy President of IYC, Comrade Atigbi E. Freedom, among others.
