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Tag: Alfred Kemepado

  • Elections: IYC warns security agencies against jungle justice

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has warned security agencies against relying on the position of President Muhammdu Buhari on ballot box snatching to perpetrate jungle Justice during the elections.

    The council condemned Buhari’s position against electoral offenders describing the President’s warning that ballot box snatchers would do so at the expense of their lives as undemocratic and less presidential.

    The IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, said its members would not tolerate anything illegal, including the snatching of ballot boxes to undermine the sanctity of the electoral process within its territories.

    Kemepado, however, said that the desire and resolve to ensure credible, free and fair elections should involve the promotion of undemocratic values.

    He said the President’s speech had the capacity to instigate violence and make law enforcement agents take laws into their hands.

    Noting that Nigeria must be built and sustained as a country of law and order and not a country of jungle justices, the IYC scribe appealed to Buhari and other candidates to desist from heating up the polity.

    He said: “The President must realize the place of his body language, which may have made it possible for his loyalists like Governor El-rufai to issue inciting and provocative statements like that of the “body bag” speech.

    “The oil of the Niger Delta is not available to fund body bags but to promote the unity of Nigeria that will be subjected to restructuring for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “We call on International bodies to come to the aid of harmless and willing electorates who are willing to express their franchise to get the needed change, so they are not shot at or butchered by the Nigerian military or police in the guise of harvesting ballot box snatchers.

    “The IYC reaffirm the commitment of the Ijaw Nation to align itself with the laws of Nigeria, and will resist any form of ballot box snatching and electoral violence. This we will do across party lines, as free and fair election is what all Ijaw youths desire, which is for our collective national interest, and for the betterment of One Nigeria.”

  • IYC to FG: Identify, deal with politicians importing arms 

    The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has urged the Federal Government and Service Chiefs to quickly adopt all necessary measures to stop importation of arms and ammunition for electoral purposes.

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths said the first step should be to monitor the borders, close all the porous areas to stop the merchants from brining illegal weapons into the country ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Read Also:2019 is a referendum for Niger Deltans, says IYC

    Reacting to the fears of influx of arms raised by the security chiefs in their recent meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Secretary-General, IYC, Alfred Kemepado, said all politicians involve in the dastardly act should be arrested and dealt with no matter their political leanings.

    Kemepado asked the service chiefs to use all the intelligence available to them to find out those sponsoring the importation and deal with them in accordance with the law.

    He said their were possibilities that some security heads knew the importers but chose to collude with them against the state.

    He blamed the culture of deploying illegal weapons in elections on the body language of most governments in power adding that politicians are always in the habit of training and arming thugs without facing the required repercussion.

    He said: “We blame the stockpiling of arms for election culture largely on the body language and policies of most administrations. The thugs in an election don’t fund themselves. They are always funded and armed by the so called political elite.

    “The thugs used for elections are like the proverbial smoke; the real smoke is the elite. Security agencies should expand their intelligence to deal with these so-called political elite no matter how highly placed or which political party they belong, even if they belong to the ruling APC.

    “This cleansing can only be effective if it is done without bias. However, it is also good to involve the civil society organisations to increase advocacy condemning the acts and pointing the dangers and this should be done at communal levels.

    “But let me make bold to say that the chances are very high that security agencies know the importers of these arms, but some are colluding to prosper these crimes against the Nigeria people”.

  • IYC commends Seiyefa for releasing DSS detainees

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide Tuesday applauded the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mathew Seiyefa, for making good his promise to review cases and release detainees held in the agency without trials.

    IYC also called on the Presidency to confirm the appointment of Seiyefa and make him the substantive head of the DSS.

    The Nation reported exclusively that the DSS commenced a process of granting freedom to suspects detained for some years without trials in its facilities in Abuja.

    Seven of the suspects, who were arrested in 2016 in Bayelsa State, were brought to Yenagoa at the weekend.

    They were brought from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja to the office of the DSS in Yenagoa and released to their family members and friends, who milled around the agency’s office.

    Some of the suspects were seen shedding tears of joy in the warm embrace of their friends when they finally marched out of the DSS facility.

    The suspects looked unkempt with overgrown bears, rough skin and dirty clothes.

    One of them, who identified himself as Clinton Ohaigbofa, confirmed that suspects held without trial were being massively released across the country.

    Clinton, who hails from Ebedebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area, attributed the development to the disposition of the new DSS boss.

    He said they were held in underground cells in Abuja for over two years, adding that they untold hardship.

    The  IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Alfred Kemepado, expressed satisfaction and comfort with the recent strides of Seifa describing him as a true democrat.

    Kemepado said the recent release of persons detained in the custody of the DSS without trial gave hope and value to democracy.

    He, however, urged Seifa to look into high profile cases detainees like that of El-zazaky, the leader of the Shiites in Nigeria and dispense fairness to all.

    He said: “IYC has spoken to colleagues from other ethnic nationalities and most have expressed their confidence that Mr. Seiyefa will tackle the humongous security challenges facing Nigeria today from Boko Haram to the herdsmen palava and to recent activities that threatens our democracy”.

    Kemepado thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Osibanjo for considering a competent son of the South of Nigeria to head the DSS.

    “This is positively contrary to our earlier beliefs that the President disrespected us. We want to appeal to President Buhari to confirm Seifa’s appointment as we are willing to work with him and others to sustain the peace in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta especially.

    “We call on all groups to continue to support Seiyefa with information and prayers for the overall good of all. The IYC appeals to Seiyefa not to yield to the antics of politicians but to uphold the values of his service and also uphold our growing democracy,” he said.

  • IYC commends Seifa for releasing DSS detainees

    …Calls for his confirmation

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide on Tuesday applauded the Director-General of the Department of State Security ( DSS ), Mathew Seifa, for making good his promise to review cases and release detainees held in the agency without trials.

    IYC also called on the Presidency to confirm the appointment of Seifa and make him the substantive head of the DSS.

    The Nation reported exclusively that the DSS commenced a process of granting freedom to suspects detained for some years without trials in its facilities in Abuja.

    Seven of the suspects, who were arrested in 2016 in Bayelsa State, were brought to Yenagoa at the weekend.

    They were brought from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja to the office of the DSS in Yenagoa and released to their family members and friends, who milled around the agency’s office.

    Some of the suspects were seen shedding tears of joy in the warm embrace of their friends when they finally marched out of the DSS facility.

    The suspects looked unkempt with overgrown bears, rough skin and dirty clothes.

    One of them, who identified himself as Clinton Ohaigbofa, confirmed that suspects held without trial were being massively released across the country.

    Read Also: IYC, Ohanaeze youths back pro-restructuring candidates

    Clinton, who hails from Ebedebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area, attributed the development to the disposition of the new DSS boss.

    He said they were held in underground cells in Abuja for over two years, adding that they untold hardship.

    The IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Alfred Kemepado, expressed satisfaction and comfort with the recent strides of Seifa describing him as a true democrat.

    Kemepado said the recent release of persons detained in the custody of the DSS without trial gave hope and value to democracy.

    He, however, urged Seifa to look into high profile cases detainees like that of El-zazaky, the leader of the Shiites in Nigeria and dispense fairness to all.

    He said: “IYC has spoken to colleagues from other ethnic nationalities and most have expressed their confidence that Mr. Seiyefa will tackle the humongous security challenges facing Nigeria today from Boko Haram to the herdsmen palava and to recent activities that threatens our democracy”.

    Kemepado thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Osibanjo for considering a competent son of the South of Nigeria to head the DSS.

    “This is positively contrary to our earlier beliefs that the President disrespected us. We want to appeal to President Buhari to confirm Seifa’s appointment as we are willing to work with him and others to sustain the peace in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta especially.

    “We call on all groups to continue to support Seiyefa with information and prayers for the overall good of all. The IYC appeals to Seiyefa not to yield to the antics of politicians but to uphold the values of his service and also uphold our growing democracy”, he said.

  • IYC to DSS chief: Beware of politicians

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, has urged the acting Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Mathew Seifa, to beware of politicians.

    The IYC Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, appealed to Seifa to toe the path of caution in his relationships with politicians ahead of the 2019 elections.

    Kemepado, in a statement at the weekend lamented that politicians infiltrated many security outfits in the country to control and manipulate security architecture to their advantage.

    He said Seifa should be careful not to repeat the pitfalls associated with the security services especially the recent unwholesome influence of politics on security.

    Kemepado said: “The politicisation of security and the unholy influence of politicians over the security institutions is a threat to our democracy. The professionalism of the security agencies to protect all lives, property and the protection of our democracy and democratic institutions is more important than any person or group of persons’ interest.”

    He said Ijaw youths were grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for considering a southerner for a top security position.

    He urged southerners and Nigerians, especially Niger Delta people to support the new DSS chief to succeed in his new assignment.

    He added: “Seiyefa we know is a thorough officer and the Presidency is expected to support him to do his job professionally and without bias for personal interest as we may have noticed with some agencies in recent times.

    “We also condemn the recent siege on the National Assembly by operatives of the DSS. That such desperation by political actors and their cohorts in the security agencies must be resisted by all.

    “We salute the courage of Boma Goodhead and others and call on all youth groups and Civil Liberty Organisations (CLOs) to stand up to the defence of our democracy more than ever.

    “Boma Goodhead is a true daughter of Ijaw land, full of calm courage and exceptional conviction to say no to injustice when NO was the right answer.

    “The recent attacks on our democracy call for international intervention and the intervention should be led by both the United Kingdom government and the government of United States.”

     

  • IYC warns against subversion of democracy

    The Ijaw Youths Council ( IYC ) Worldwide has called for vigilance against anti-democratic forces in the country.

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday said it would mobilise youths from all the ethnic nationalities across the country to stop any attempt to subvert democratic governance.

    According to the statement, signed by its Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, political leaders and key players have been asked to mind their public conducts and utterances.

    Kemepado appealed to leaders to show their patriotism by giving required attention to the sustenance of democracy and avoiding acts that could truncate it in the country.

    He said the IYC believed that democracy under President Muhammdu Buhari ebbing and doubted the President’s commitment to the ideals of democratic principles.

    Kemepado said the siege on the Abuja homes of the leadership of the Senate further confirmed the fears that democracy was under threat.

    He said: “The exploitation of state security apparatus to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents is not a healthy development. It is a display of political desperation which should not have a place in our democracy.

    “The recent developments at the National Assembly and the harassment of perceived political opponents are without doubt threats to democratic governance in the country. The National Assembly is an autonomous organ and shouldn’t be subjected to such a degrading harassment.

    “The blockade of the convoy of the Senate President and the failed attempt to arrest him with a view to prevent the Senate from sitting is unhealthy”.

    He added that for democracy to thrive, the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution must be respected.

    Kemepado insisted there must be strict adherence to democratic ethos and values by all political actors.

    He argued that the emerging political situation in the country was further justification of the growing call for the restructuring of the country.

    He lamented what he described as the brazen violation of court orders by the current administration saying such lingering issues would be effectively addressed in a restructured Nigeria.

    Kemepado said that it was important for politicians to play by the rule and place the interest of the country and its stability above their individual and selfish political interests.

    He urged the people to resist any attempt by any group of persons or political interest to endanger the ideals of democracy.

    He said the insecurity occasioned by the herders/farmers killings across the state’s was disturbing and called on political leadership and security agencies to stop the bloodshed.

  • IYC to Defence Minister: Apologize for anti-open grazing comment

    Ijaw youths on Thursday asked the Defence Minister, Maj.-Gen Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd) to tender an apology for asking states currently enforcing the anti-open grazing laws to stop their enforcement.

    The youths under the auspices of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide,  aligned themselves with the resolution of the National Assembly directing the minister to withdraw the statement immediately.

    Secretary General of the IYC, Mr Alfred Kemepado, in a statement in Yenagoa, described the position of the National Assembly as courageous.

    Kemepado insisted that state governments have the right to make laws for the good governance of their people without recourse to a federal minister.

    At present, the anti-open grazing law is being enforced in Benue, Ekiti and Taraba states, with Abia State passing its own version of the law.

    Kemepado said: ‘We want to specially thank the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives for the courage they have displayed in calling Dan-Ali, the Minister of Defence to order. These kinds of comments, only reflect a mind-set by some of our leaders who still think Nigeria is some kind of garrison.

    Read Also: Defence minister launches intelligence centre in Abuja

    “The Minister should be told in clear terms that by the dictates of the constitution, Nigeria is  still a federal system in which states can make laws for the good governance of their people.

    “Asking states to repeal the anti-grazing laws duly passed by their respective Houses of Assembly does not only smack of some level of arrogance, if not ignorance at that level, but also reveals the true state of mind of some of our leaders”.

    He insisted that Ijaw youths were gladdened by the resolution of the National Assembly, maintaining that the minister must apologise to Nigerians for such “insensitive and unacceptable” comments capable of worsening an already bad situation.

    “Our so-called leaders must weigh their pronouncements before uttering them to avoid adding fuel to an already raging fire. Asking states to rescind laws meant to protect their people who are butchered daily by herdsmen is like asking the head of a family to fold his hands while the family is being attacked”, the IYC said.

  • Briton’s murder: IYC delegation visits UK High Commission

    Briton’s murder: IYC delegation visits UK High Commission

    The Ijaw Youth Council (Worldwide) officials at the weekend led a high-powered delegation to the British High Commission following the abduction and gruesome murder of a British missionary and humanitarian worker, Mr. Ian Squire, in the Niger Delta creeks.

    Squire, known for his humanitarian activities in the Niger Delta, was one of the four missionaries kidnapped by suspected militants on October 13.

    While his colleagues were set free on November 6, Squire was killed by his abductors, a development that sparked outrage in the region.

    The National Secretariat of IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, condemned the murder, describing it as shameful.

    But it was gathered that Kemepado went further to lead a delegation of IYC leaders to commiserate with the British High Commission.

    The delegation, it was learnt, was received by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright and other officials of the High Commission.

    The scribe reportedly told the High Commission that the youths in the Niger Delta were peaceful and should not be condemned for the action of few bad eggs.

    He pleaded with the High Commission not to judge the region by the action of few individuals as efforts were being made by security agencies to flush out criminals hiding in the creeks.

    “We are peace-loving people and our people are hospitable. We do not and will never condone criminality.

    “The killing of Squire was unfortunate and we have called security agencies to arrest his killers. We are also working with security agencies to ensure that such dastardly and shameful act does not happen again”, Kemepado reportedly told the High Commission.