Francis Dufugha
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has warned against what it described as increasing cases of insults, name-calling and unwarranted social media attacks on prominent Ijaw leaders, warning that it would take decisive action against individuals found engaging in cyberbullying and abusive online conduct.
The council, in a statement dated November 5, 2026, and jointly signed by its National President, Comr. Dr Doubrа C. Okotete, and National Secretary, Dr Ayebakuro Itari Igbeta, Esq., expressed concern over what it described as the growing trend of disrespect towards respected Ijaw personalities on social media platforms.
The IYC lamented that some youths had turned social media into platforms for insulting, ridiculing and attacking prominent Ijaw men and women who, according to the council, had made significant contributions to the development and advancement of the Ijaw nation.
It listed several prominent personalities who had allegedly been subjected to online attacks, including High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo; King Alhaji Dokubo-Asari; King Ateke Tom; former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; serving and former governors of Ijaw extraction; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku; and Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro.
The council said it was particularly disturbing that individuals who had devoted years to advancing the interests of the Ijaw people were being subjected to insults and public ridicule by some social media users.
It maintained that while criticism and freedom of expression were legitimate democratic rights, such freedoms should not be abused through personal attacks, cyberbullying and the deliberate denigration of individuals.
The IYC warned that its leadership, under the 10th National Executive Council, would not hesitate to identify and take appropriate action against those engaging in what it described as persistent cyberbullying and unprovoked attacks on respected Ijaw leaders.
According to the statement, the council considered it unfortunate that while other ethnic nationalities were perceived to be protective of their prominent personalities, some Ijaw people were allegedly contributing to the public denigration of their own leaders.
It argued that the contributions and sacrifices of individuals who had championed the Ijaw cause deserved recognition and respect, irrespective of political differences or disagreements over their public conduct.
The council, however, clarified that its position was not intended to undermine the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression, speech, thought and conscience.
It stressed that the IYC was not seeking to take sides with politicians, public office holders or wealthy individuals, but would defend any Ijaw person, particularly the less privileged, who suffered oppression, maltreatment or unjust treatment.
The statement further maintained that the council would support any aggrieved leader seeking redress through lawful means where there was evidence of cyberbullying or other forms of abuse.
The IYC also called on parents, family members and community leaders to guide young people against the misuse of social media, urging them to embrace responsible communication and constructive engagement.
It emphasised that today’s youths would eventually occupy leadership positions and should therefore cultivate the values of mutual respect, tolerance and responsible public conduct.
The council concluded by urging Ijaw youths to protect the dignity of their ethnic nationality and avoid actions capable of undermining the reputation of the Ijaw nation and its prominent personalities.
About Author
