Faction rejects IYC’s alleged decisions on ceasefire, others

•You are seeking relevance, Omare counters
As the crisis in Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) defies amicable resolution, the faction headed by Elvis Donkemezuo yesterday alleged that the Udengs Eradiri-led executives were using its name as a bargaining tool to pursue private business interests under the guise of negotiating a peaceful end to the current impasse in the Niger Delta.

In a chat with The Guardian, Donkemezuo said his faction would soon speak on knotty issues affecting the ethnic group and the region.

Both factions are in court to determine the authentic leadership for the body after some executive members signed a document purportedly unseating Eradiri and Eric Omare as president and spokesman.

Donkekezuo frowned at a report claiming that the IYC hailed the cessation of hostilities in the region.

He stated: “While we are favourably disposed to all genuine efforts at attaining peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the Niger Delta and most especially Ijaw territories, we frown at the attempt to drag our name into the Niger Delta Avengers’ (NDA) ceasefire announcement when we are yet to issue any such statement.

“For the sake of clarity, we want to state unequivocally that, as of today, the IYC has not issued any statement on the NDA and Reformed Egbesu Fraternity’s ceasefire announcements.  This is because we are still consulting with past presidents, leaders-in-council and “Ogbos’ as well as other critical stakeholders.

“When the consultations are ripe, we shall issue the appropriate statements. And such statements would only come from Elvis Donkemezuo, president of the Ijaw Youth Council, spokesman, Mike Edounkumor and/or secretary, Bristol Emmanuel Alagbariya.”

Reacting, Omare said Donkemezu and his co-travellers were only seeking relevance as the matter was already before a Bayelsa High Court sitting in Yenagoa.

He likened their action to a contempt of court.