The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide has reiterated its commitment to securing a peaceful resolution of the legal dispute between Dr. Azibapu Eruani, President of Azikel Group, and Mr. Kariyai Daukoru.
The National Secretary of the Council, Barr. Dr. Ayeibakuro Igbeita Itari, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Yenagoa.
Igbeita said the intervention of the council followed the inauguration of the 10th National Executive Council, NEC, led by Comrade Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete on July 22.
He said the NEC had engaged Eruani, Daukoru, their representatives and the Bayelsa State Government in an effort to de-escalate the dispute and explore reconciliation.
According to Igbeita, the dispute involves ongoing legal proceedings arising from contractual claims, as well as allegations bordering on criminal defamation and cyberstalking.
He said the IYC initially contacted Eruani to explore possible avenues for securing Daukoru’s release from the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Igbeita disclosed that Okotete held telephone conversations with Eruani while he was abroad and later met him on three occasions after his return to Nigeria.
He added that the council also contacted persons nominated by Daukoru’s wife and family to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the matter.
Igbeita said the council intervened after receiving intelligence about a planned solidarity march by youths and possible counter-demonstrations by groups sympathetic to Eruani.
He said the IYC subsequently appealed to its affiliate bodies to suspend planned protests and demonstrations to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue.
“Our initial objective was to encourage Dr. Eruani to consider withdrawing the criminal defamation and cyberstalking proceedings against Mr. Daukoru. This was to create an avenue for his possible release while allowing the substantive civil dispute to proceed through appropriate legal channels,” Igbeita said.
He, however, said Eruani maintained that he had no personal interest in keeping Daukoru incarcerated, but alleged that Daukoru’s social media activities had damaged his reputation, business interests and the image he had built over the years.
Igbeita said Eruani indicated that he would consider withdrawing the criminal proceedings if Daukoru demonstrated genuine remorse and issued a public apology through the same channels where the alleged defamatory publications were made.
He said Eruani also questioned the intervention of the IYC, arguing that Daukoru had family, community leaders and traditional institutions that could mediate in the dispute.
Igbeita said the council subsequently raised the matter with Governor Douye Diri during its maiden meeting with him.
He quoted Governor Diri as saying that the matter had not reached a stage requiring direct intervention by the state government.
According to Igbeita, the governor advised the parties to explore family, community and traditional institutions in seeking dialogue and reconciliation.
He said Diri also cautioned youths against using social media to circulate unverified information or launch personal attacks, noting that such actions could have serious consequences.
Igbeita disclosed that the IYC President and members of the 10th NEC visited Daukoru at the Kuje Correctional Centre on August 21.
He said the delegation briefed Daukoru on the council’s engagements with Eruani, the state government and other stakeholders.
Igbeita said the IYC told Daukoru that its intervention was focused on his welfare and freedom and was not intended to interfere with his civil claims.
He said the council specifically distinguished the criminal proceedings from Daukoru’s reported civil claim involving about N1.9 billion in compensation.
According to Igbeita, Daukoru maintained that he would not apologise to Eruani on terms he did not accept.
“He maintained that he did not cyberbully or defame Dr. Eruani and alleged that the media attacks began from the other side,” Igbeita said.
He added that Daukoru expressed confidence in his legal team and determination to pursue the cases to their logical conclusion.
Igbeita said the IYC had consequently concluded that it could not compel either party to accept a settlement.
He noted that while Eruani had expressed willingness to consider a negotiated resolution subject to certain conditions, Daukoru remained opposed to issuing an apology.
“The IYC 10th NEC remains committed to peaceful resolution, reconciliation and the protection of the interests of all Ijaw people,” Igbeita said.
He said the council would continue to respect the independence of the judiciary and the rights of all parties involved in the dispute.
Igbeita said the council was committed to promoting alternative dispute resolution, dialogue and reconciliation whenever both parties are willing to explore those options.
“The 10th NEC is not driven by emotions, sentiments or partisan interests. Our position is simple: we want peace, justice, reconciliation and the protection of Ijaw lives, potentials and businesses,” he said.
He said the council would neither take sides blindly nor allow itself to be used to vilify one Ijaw person against another.
Igbeita said the IYC believes that no Ijaw person should be unnecessarily lost to prolonged incarceration where there remains an opportunity for dialogue and peaceful settlement.
He added that the council would remain available to facilitate constructive engagement between the parties whenever they are prepared to explore a peaceful resolution.
He said the statement was issued to clarify the council’s position amid conflicting narratives circulating on social media.
