The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has elected lawyer Etifa Jonathan as Chairman of its Abuja and Northern Nigeria Chapter. Jonathan secured 35 out of 45 votes cast to emerge winner of the leadership election. The election was attended by the President of IYC Worldwide, Doubra Collins Okotete, members of the 10th National Executive Council and other stakeholders. Jonathan's victory marks a new chapter in the council's leadership.
In his acceptance address, Jonathan pledged to strengthen the council's engagement with government institutions and relevant authorities. He aims to ensure that Ijaw youths receive greater access to opportunities in federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Jonathan argued that the Ijaw people deserved a more prominent place in Nigeria's political and administrative structure. He cited their significant contributions to the nation's economy, particularly through the oil and gas resources generated from the Niger Delta.
Jonathan identified unity, institutional development and the promotion of Ijaw interests as major priorities of his administration. He said his first 100 days in office would focus on reviewing the chapter's existing achievements, identifying areas requiring improvement and developing strategies to make the organisation more effective. Jonathan extended an olive branch to other contestants, urging them and their supporters to put the election behind them and join hands with the new leadership.
The newly elected chairman described his victory as a collective achievement of the Ijaw nation rather than an individual accomplishment. He promised to run an inclusive administration that would give members opportunities to contribute to the council's growth. Jonathan disclosed that he had already contacted some of the contestants to seek their support. He stressed that cooperation and mutual understanding would be essential to achieving the chapter's objectives.
IYC Worldwide President, Doubra Collins Okotete, described the election as credible, transparent and peaceful, rating its conduct at 97 per cent. Okotete explained that the election was an internal democratic process aimed at selecting leaders capable of advancing the interests of Ijaw youths and strengthening the council. He advised the incoming leadership to embrace consultation, patience, sacrifice and collective responsibility.
Okotete warned Jonathan against making sensitive public pronouncements or taking important decisions without consulting relevant stakeholders. He noted that the Abuja chapter operated within the broader national structure of the IYC. On preparations for the 2027 general elections, Okotete said the council would maintain its non-partisan position while creating platforms for political candidates to engage with Ijaw communities.
The council would encourage Ijaw youths to scrutinise political promises and make informed decisions based on candidates' positions on issues affecting their people. Outgoing chairman, Emmanuel Deinma, urged the incoming executive to preserve the unity of the chapter and build on the achievements recorded during his administration. Miriam Kiriboh Erenaminaka, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, acknowledged the challenges encountered during the electoral process but expressed satisfaction with the successful conclusion of the exercise.
Key points
- Etifa Jonathan elected as Chairman of IYC Abuja and Northern Nigeria Chapter with 35 out of 45 votes.
- Jonathan pledges to strengthen engagement with government institutions for Ijaw youths' benefit.
- IYC aims to maintain non-partisan position ahead of 2027 general elections.
