Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide President Addresses Constitutional Review
Lagos Chapter Election, and Leadership Stability
Delivered During a Live Media Broadcast at Ijaw House, Yenagoa – 17th June, 2025
The National President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and the preservation of Ijaw unity during a live broadcast at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa.
In his address to the youths of Ijaw Nation, Sir Lokpobiri emphasized the responsibility of his leadership to provide transparent stewardship and keep members informed of Council activities, in line with the mandate of the 9th National Executive Council (NEC).
He recalled the Council’s successful National Convention held on 16th December, 2024, in Odi Community, Bayelsa State, where a comprehensive constitutional review was concluded. Among the key amendments were:
Adoption of Option A4 as the official election method.
Increase in participation age.
Expansion of delegate numbers for Lagos and Abuja Chapters.
Other significant reforms to strengthen governance within the Council.
Sir Lokpobiri reiterated that the National Convention, being the supreme decision-making body of the IYC, holds authority over all organs of Council. Accordingly, its resolutions remain binding until overturned by another Convention.
However, controversy arose during the 14th May, 2025 Lagos Chapter election, which he presided over. Following disputes on the exclusive use of Option A4, the President suspended the process to safeguard the integrity of the Council and announced plans for another National Convention to deliberate on the possibility of introducing other voting methods, including secret ballots.
He condemned the unauthorized election later conducted by the Speaker of the IYC Mobile Parliament, describing it as a direct violation of the Convention’s resolutions. According to him, such actions undermine Council unity and reflect attempts by a few principal officers to sabotage the Council’s progress, including the Secretariat Building Project and the constitution implementation process.
In response to the leadership vacuum created by the expiration of the Lagos Chapter Executive at midnight of 3rd June, 2025, the NEC, invoking the doctrine of necessity, has constituted a three-member Caretaker Committee to oversee the Chapter’s affairs until a legitimate election is held. The committee members are:
Amangi Amafina – Chairman
Comrade Okoro Dightorusin – Secretary
Comrade Anthony Oki – Information Officer
Their mandate is to unite members, maintain stability, and prepare the Lagos Chapter for a credible and transparent election.
Sir Lokpobiri assured Ijaw youths that his leadership is committed to leaving behind a stronger, more resilient IYC. He pledged a seamless transition, protection of the Council’s integrity, and the preservation of the legacy of the founding fathers.
“The IYC is our identity and our voice. We will protect its unity and fiercely defend its purpose. With your continued support, we will hand over a Council capable of withstanding challenges and advancing the collective good of the Ijaw Nation,” he said.
He concluded with a call for solidarity:
“God bless our Ijaw Youths! God bless IYC!! God bless Ijaw Nation!!!”
Signed:
Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr
President, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide
