06/16/2025
RIFTS IN IDU-YW AND THE RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PEACE
A few days ago, the media space was sadly saturated with the issues of the Isoko Development Union youth wing, leaving the social environment with immense doubt, worry and fear of the unknown. In whatever manner, it has become expedient to review the rifts more strategically, to douse, allay the fears therefrom and resolve the same amongst stakeholders.
It is true that, the creation of the Isoko Development Union youth wing (IDU-YW) was a strategic rebirth as an alternative to a monopolized youth leadership, and to also bear the same nomenclature as other sisters' ethnic nationalities having a youth wing.
Leadership crises are not alien in sane climes or organizations. However, dispensing kinetic energy towards ensuring dispute resolution and restoring normalcy anytime it rear its ugly head is chiefly our top-most concern.
Painfully, we sincerely regret the internal youth leadership squabbles that produced or resorted to the publication of two (2) IDU-YW caretaker committee lists on social media. Truly, that action epitomizes the magnitude of the brewing trouble, cascading the media as an uproar without civility and caution. Nonetheless, it will be needless to categorize the remote causes nor see it as unnecessary, to justify the nitty-gritties leading to the fierce media unrest.
Admittedly, we take full responsibility for this avoidable quagmire and crave the sustenance of tranquillity. We are not unmindful of the fact that in the game of power, so many things are considered. Consequently, calling for the resignation of the President General of IDU Prof. Chris Akpotu, a well-read academic veteran or permanently prohibiting the IDU-YW, amongst others, without recourse to the pillars of Isoko cultural heritage, is an unthinkable fruitless exercise taken too far. In a real sense, this period defines an era of tutelage, wherein as future leaders, they must be tutored positively to accept and align with the parental ethos and norms worthy of emulation.
On the other hand, the timeous decisive approach of the Isoko two local government chairmen, temporarily disbanding the IDU-YW activities was perceived and accepted as an action to curtail any form of hostility that could lead to loss of lives and properties. We salute their swift intervention as Chief Security Officers of the Isoko nation.
Under the present circumstances, we cannot compromise leadership, which, once upon a time had put us on a distinct pedestal of honour. In order not to pettily sustain our fears and nightmares nor guaranteeing integrity, IDU BOT, High Chief Eta Enahoro, Grand Patron, High Chief Iduh Amaidhe, IDU Exco members and the body of PGs of clans, Hycent Ewariezi and Fidelix Obokpaino (former IDU-YW presidents), with their supporters gathered in Camp David to chart a way forward. Warring youth factions have unanimously agreed to throw in the towel to maintain the cordial sanctity and integrity of the revered institution.
It is worthy of mention that, the IDU executive led by Prof. Chris Akpotu, are leaders always in the saddle. We have displayed the capacity at various times to resolve community crises within the circumference of the Isoko nation. The Okugbe Isoko Avó Enyaharo mantra of the youth is no mere cosmetics, but a composition indicative of visionary leaders with prestigious commitment to duties. We have dispassionately evaluated diverse leadership arithmetic, and we resolved/agreed as follows:
1. To nip in the bud every youthful outburst that will not promote cordial working relationship henceforth.
2. To jettison the two caretaker committee lists published and directly go for election as quickly as possible.
3. Accept all administrative frameworks spelt out, but not shrouded in secrecy to guide the selection of delegates.
In conclusion, historically, IDU is 78 years old. We cannot overheat and destroy the structures laid by our founding fathers. For a variety of reasons -- considering all variables, we agreed that the meeting should announce peace as we unanimously define and shape the future of the youth wing. Leadership shall reach out to other stakeholders, especially the two local government chairmen for a comprehensive engagement on all issues that affect our survival as a people. We enjoin IDU-YW to be calm as we speedily galvanize, harness and bring to bear our collective resolve. Our loyalty and commitment to moving the Isoko nation forward remain sacrosanct because every height has a price.
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Sign:
Dr. Jubilant Uzuazo Igelige, JP.
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