The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone has disowned a group purporting to be the Elders Council of the zone, describing them as impersonators.
According to the council, the group led by Razak Amatoru has no legitimacy and cannot speak on behalf of the zone.
The IYC Western Zone clarified that the Nicholas Igarama-led 9th Zonal Executive Council has not inaugurated any Elders Council for the zone, rendering the group’s formation and actions illegal.
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While the council commended the group’s support for the declaration of amnesty for cultists in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo, it emphasized that the group lacks the authority to represent the zone.
In a statement signed by Tare Magbei, Information Officer, IYC Western Zone, the council warned against dealing with the illegitimate group. ”
The statement reads, “It has come to the attention of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone of a group parading themselves as Elders Council of the zone.
“Council by this means informs all structures, critical stakeholders, and the general public that such a group is nonexistent.
“The Nicholas Igarama led 9th Zonal Executive Council has not inaugurated any Elders Council for the IYC Western Zone, making the nonexistent group led by Razak Amatoru as Impersonators.
“While their support for the declaration of amnesty for cultists in Edo State by Governor Monday Okpebholo is commendable, Council declares that they are not a legitimate entity, and neither can they speak on behalf of the Zone as such powers lie solely with the Executive Council.
“Their formation is illegal and could be seen as an attempt to spell confusion; a move Council will not tolerate and will reprove by any means necessary.
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“For the purpose of clarity, the function of the IYC Elders Council is only to play an advisory role as spelt out in the Constitution and not to operate as de facto executives of the zone.
“We, by this means, urge Governor Okpebholo and all well-meaning individuals to relate with the appropriate channels in their dealings with Council and, by extension, Ijaw nation.”
The IYC Western Zone has reiterated its commitment to working with legitimate stakeholders and ensuring that the interests of the Ijaw people are represented by authorized entities.
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