Bayelsa Comrade Family Seeks Dialogue Over Azikiel Aviation Scholarship Dispute, Threatens Peaceful Protest
The Bayelsa Comrade Family has called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the lingering dispute surrounding the Azikiel Aviation Training Scheme, also known as the Azikiel Aviation Scholarship Programme, urging the management of Azikiel Group of Companies to engage the affected beneficiaries and resolve the matter amicably.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its President General, Rt. Hon. Comr. Timila Austin Ayekite, and signed by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Comr. Egain BelieveGod Ifiye, the group expressed concern over the prolonged disagreement involving the President of Azikiel Group of Companies, Dr. Eruani Ezekiel, and two beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme, Mr. Kariyai Darakoru and Mr. Yebei Ebilate.
According to the statement, the Bayelsa Comrade Family recently met with the two youths to obtain firsthand information regarding the dispute.
The organisation stated that available records showed the scholarship examination was conducted on March 5, 2024, while a meeting between the beneficiaries and the company’s management was held on March 21, 2024. It said beneficiaries were informed that probation would commence on April 1, 2024, with the understanding that failure to satisfy the probation requirements could lead to forfeiture of the scholarship.
However, the group alleged that the probation period was extended beyond the stipulated timeframe, with repeated assurances reportedly given to the beneficiaries. It further claimed that despite several letters, appeals and engagements seeking clarification, the matter remained unresolved, leaving the affected youths uncertain about their future.
The statement added that after waiting for more than 16 months on a process that was initially expected to last six months, the beneficiaries resorted to legal action in pursuit of clarification and accountability.
The Bayelsa Comrade Family described the situation as unfortunate, noting that a programme designed to empower Bayelsa youths had instead resulted in public controversy and legal confrontation.
The group called on Dr. Eruani Ezekiel to embrace dialogue and reconciliation by withdrawing actions capable of escalating the dispute and opening constructive discussions with the affected beneficiaries to achieve an amicable resolution.
“No Bayelsa youth should be subjected to intimidation, victimisation, humiliation or denial of opportunities for seeking answers regarding a scholarship programme established to transform lives and build future leaders,” the statement said.
The organisation also appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, traditional rulers, political leaders, youth stakeholders, civil society organisations and other well-meaning Bayelsans to intervene in the interest of peace and justice.
The Bayelsa Comrade Family warned that if urgent steps were not taken to resolve the matter, it would mobilise Bayelsa youths and other concerned citizens for a peaceful protest in Yenagoa to demand justice, accountability and fairness for the affected beneficiaries.
The group, however, maintained that it remained committed to lawful, peaceful and democratic advocacy while insisting that the rights and dignity of Bayelsa youths must be protected.
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