Francis Biobarakuma has called out IYC National President Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri for his recent comments urging Niger Delta states to abstain from the hunger (#EndBadGovernance) protest.
Lokpobiri, at an NDDC program, highlighted longstanding regional issues such as the deteriorating East-West Road, environmental degradation, and neglect by oil companies, arguing these were not part of the protest’s demands.
Biobarakuma questioned the relevance of Lokpobiri’s arguments, noting that these issues have plagued the region for years and predate the current administration. He accused Lokpobiri of attempting to divert attention from the immediate and pressing issues of rising cost of living, inflation, and widespread hunger that the hunger protest addresses.
Biobarakuma also criticized the sharing of Lokpobiri’s video as a hypocritical move to justify abstention from the protest, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action to tackle both regional and national issues.
He reaffirmed the right of every Nigerian to protest and urged the Niger Delta and Ijaw people to stand up for their rights, highlighting that only through solidarity can they achieve the progress they seek.
He wrote:
“My take on the speech made by the National IYC President at the NDDC sensitization program
Reflecting on the recent stance of IYC National President Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri against the HUNGER (
#EndBadGovernance) protest, I find myself deeply concerned about the implications of his message to the Niger Delta community. At the NDDC program, Lokpobiri highlighted several critical issues, such as the deteriorating East-West Road, environmental degradation, and the persistent neglect by oil companies. While these issues are undoubtedly significant, his advice for the Niger Delta states to abstain from the HUNGER protest because these issues were not part of the protest’s demands seems both short-sighted and counterproductive.
“Firstly, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the problems Lokpobiri raised—poor infrastructure, environmental harm,
and corporate neglect—are long-standing and have plagued the Niger Delta for years. These challenges did not emerge with the current administration. If Lokpobiri genuinely believed these were worth protesting, one must wonder why he has not previously led a movement to address them. His current stance could be perceived as an attempt to distract the public from the immediate and pressing issues that the HUNGER protest aims to highlight, namely the rising cost of living, inflation, and widespread hunger.
“Moreover, it appears that Lokpobiri’s approach might be an attempt to manipulate public sentiment. By bringing up the region’s chronic issues in the context of a national protest against bad governance, he diverts attention from the core demands of the protestors. This tactic undermines the legitimate grievances of those suffering from economic hardship and shifts focus away from holding the government accountable for its current policies. It’s an attempt to fracture the unity and dilute the impact of a nationwide movement that seeks to address systemic failures affecting millions of Nigerians.
“Many are sharing Lokpobiri’s video, using it as a justification to abstain from the protest. This behavior reeks of hypocrisy, particularly from those who have had ample time and resources to tackle these issues but chose not to. The argument against participating in the HUNGER protest on the grounds of unrelated regional issues is disingenuous. It is an elitist maneuver to maintain the status quo and protect vested interests.
“The plight of the Niger Delta is real and demands attention. The East-West Road must be completed, and environmental degradation must be addressed. These are fights we should engage in vigorously.
However, using these issues as an excuse to undermine a protest against a national crisis is manipulative. The fact remains that Nigerians are facing unprecedented levels of hunger and economic instability. While regional problems need resolution, they should not be used to negate the legitimacy of a broader movement addressing immediate existential threats to the populace.
“As members of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), our constitution mandates us to control resources by any means possible. This responsibility should be our daily pursuit. If we cannot fulfill this role, then perhaps it is time to reassess our constitutional mandates and align them with our current capabilities and goals. Every Nigerian has the right to protest, a fundamental civic duty that should not be hindered by political manipulation or personal interests.
“Niger Delta and Ijaw people must recognize the importance of standing up for their rights. Unity and collective action are essential to achieving the progress we seek. Whether protesting against hunger or demanding better infrastructure, we must remain steadfast and not allow ourselves to be swayed by those who seek to divert our focus from pressing national issues. Only through solidarity can we hope to overcome the challenges we face and create a better future for all.
Best wishes;
Francis Biobarakuma
