Douye Diri’s N10m largesse tear Youth groups apart

By Saint Mienpamo

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri’s release of the sum of N10million for the rent of mobilization offices for some youth groups ahead of his second term aspiration in 2024 have triggered controversy in the State.

It was gathered that the money was released for the rent of four offices for youth groups including the Bayelsa state Comrade family, National Association of Bayelsa State Students (NUBSS), National Association of Ijaw Students (NUIS) and the National association of Nigerian students (NANS).

It was further gathered that the release of the money was facilitated by two aides of the Governor, Hon. Robert Igali and Hon. John Jacob without the knowledge of the other youth groups listed as beneficiaries.

Reporter learnt that despite the visible facts that offices were rented and a LE Model Toyota Camry was procured by the Hon. Robert Igali, his claim that the car was a personal request included in the approved memo is not going down well with leaders of the youth groups.

They however accused Hon. John Jacob of not being a member of the group but misleading the embattled chairman of the Comrade Family

The aggrieved members of the benefiting youths groups, particularly the Comrade Family, at an emergency meeting summoned on Tuesday, accused the embattle President and Gov. Diri’s aide of allege abuse of office, negligence, gross misconduct and they resolved to pass a vote of no confidence on its leadership.

According to the resolution, they resolve to put in place modalities to conduct election into key positions and the keys and documents to the State Governor’s approved office and car be handed to the interim leadership. Already, the aggrieved members of the Comrade Family have suspended Hon. Igali as Chairman and nominated Comrade Esuku Freshe Timinepre, Comrade Meshack N,Sintei and Godspower F.Nestor have been selected as Action Chairman, Secretary and Spokesman respectively.

A Senior Government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said though the State Governor’s gesture was not political but a way to encourage youth groups to have a location and promote youth group advocacy and support development initiatives in the state,” we are aware of the brouhaha and we expect that these groups can maturely resolve in the issues internally without insulting the magnanimity of the present administration.”

The Pro-Igali group, which also included new media aides to the State Governor, however accused those moving against Hon. Robert Igali, as those interested in sharing the N10mmillion and hijacking the car rather than allowing the acquisition of the office space as directed by the state Governor. They however declared him the life President of the Comrade Family group.

Investigations has however shown that among the four benefiting youths groups, the Comrade Family headed by Hon. Robert Igali, is not a registered organisation but a gathering of former Youth leaders from Higher Institution days.

Responding to the claims, the aide to the Governor, Hon. Robert Igali, who denied allegation of misconduct and criminal diversion of funds, confirmed that his boss, Gov. Douye Diri released the sum of N10million and ” the office spaces have been paid for and the furniture needed are being delivered. The evidence is there .The respective leaders have gone to clean up their offices. Those kicking against our efforts are those who wants me to share the money with them.” CONTINUE READING…