...As Tare Describes Jonathan Lokpobiri as a Disgrace to the Ijaw Nation

Jonathan Lokpobiri, while speaking in a video during a solidarity walk in Abuja in support of Tantita Security Services, said that the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has always had a mandate that encourages its leaders and members to defend and support Ijaw people who are holding positions of authority.

According to him, if there are complaints or concerns about the actions or performance of such individuals, those concerns should be discussed privately and in a peaceful manner to help them improve, instead of attacking them publicly. He also said it was wrong for Ijaw people to publicly fight or criticize one another in ways that could damage the image and unity of the Ijaw nation.

Jonathan Lokpobiri further stated that some individuals claiming to represent the IYC were bringing shame and embarrassment to the organization and were not acting in the true interest of the Ijaw people. He also alleged that some criminal elements were being sponsored to create confusion, unrest, and division within the region.

Reacting to these statements, Tare Diseimoh, spokesperson of the Niger Delta Mandate, said that one of the major responsibilities of the Ijaw Youth Council is to defend, protect, and speak for the Ijaw people whenever they are facing oppression or injustice.

He stated that many people consider it disappointing for Jonathan Lokpobiri to accuse some IYC members of working against the Ijaw people while also defending Tantita Security Services against criticisms and allegations being raised in different quarters.

Tare explained that, the issue is not about opposing Tantita Security Services as a company, but about serious allegations that have continued to circulate regarding the activities of Tompolo and members of the security outfit in some Ijaw communities.

He further questioned why Jonathan Lokpobiri allegedly remained silent when accusations and reports concerning Tompolo’s alleged actions against some Ijaw people became public across different media platforms.

He questioned whether Jonathan Lokpobiri had ever publicly spoken about the disappearance of Charles Korubo, a Bayelsa indigene who was reportedly abducted and remains missing, while critics continue to accuse Tompolo of being responsible for his disappearance.

Tare also questioned whether Jonathan Lokpobiri had ever addressed allegations that Bodmas Kemepadei, allegedly acting on the instructions of Tompolo and with the support of some NSCDC officers, abducted Balamene Karowei from his residence in Yenagoa, after which he reportedly disappeared and has remained missing for almost two years now.

He further raised concerns about allegations that private detention facilities were allegedly being operated in Oporoza, where some Ijaw people were said to have been detained for long periods ranging from days to months and, in some cases, even years.

He also stated that, any IYC leader who remains silent while allegations of abduction, unlawful detention, intimidation, and killings involving Ijaw youths continue to surface should not be seen as truly representing the interests of the Ijaw people.

Tare said that Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, whom he described as the original worldwide President of the Ijaw Youth Council, has consistently stood for justice, fairness, and the protection of Ijaw people. According to him, Dr. Theophilus has continued to speak against oppression, intimidation, and unfair treatment of Ijaw communities.

He added that Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus has also continued to advocate for fairness and equal opportunities in the distribution and decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts across the Niger Delta states so that the benefits can reach more communities and individuals rather than remaining in the hands of one contractor or group alone.

Tare further alleged that Tompolo and the Tantita Security group have been accused of involvement in several serious incidents across the Niger Delta region. He mentioned allegations linked to the deaths of youths in Ogbomotoro community in Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State, reports of beheading of persons in Rivers State, the alleged kidnapping of Charles Korubo, the alleged kidnapping of Balamene Karowei, and claims regarding the operation of private detention centers.

According to him, many people believe no individual has the right to take the law into their own hands or treat the Ijaw nation as personal property. He stated that those seeking justice would continue to demand accountability through lawful and peaceful means, regardless of influence, wealth, or power.

Tare also warned that any individual or group accused of supporting wrongdoing, oppression, or violence against the Ijaw people would eventually face justice and judgment from the gods of ijaw land.

He called on Tompolo to openly confess before the Ijaw nation and seek reconciliation and forgiveness where necessary. According to him, peace, unity, and truth are important for the future of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw people.

Finally, Tare advised Jonathan Lokpobiri to change his approach to leadership and public conduct and stop bringing disgrace to the Ijaw nation. He urged him to uphold integrity, speak the truth, and place the collective interest of the Ijaw people above personal gain or political loyalty.