IYC pushes dialogue to end Eruani-Daukoru dispute

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has stepped up efforts to broker a peaceful settlement between Azikel Group President, Dr Azibapu Eruani, and Mr Kariyai Daukoru, whose dispute has produced ongoing court proceedings and heightened tensions among their supporters.

The council said its intervention was aimed at preventing the disagreement from deepening divisions within the Ijaw community while respecting the rights of both parties and the independence of the courts.

In a statement issued on Monday, the IYC National Secretary, Barr. Dr Ayebakuro Igbeta Itari, said the 10th National Executive Council, led by Comr. Dr Doubra Collins Okotete, began its intervention shortly after its inauguration on 22 July.

According to Itari, the council has since engaged Eruani, Daukoru, their representatives and the Bayelsa State Government as part of efforts to lower tensions and create room for reconciliation.

The dispute involves civil claims arising from contractual issues, alongside criminal proceedings involving allegations of defamation and cyberstalking.

Itari said the IYC’s immediate concern was the welfare and possible release of Daukoru, who was being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre. He said Okotete initially spoke with Eruani by telephone while the latter was outside the country and subsequently met him three times after his return to Nigeria.

The council also contacted individuals nominated by Daukoru’s wife and family to obtain their account of the dispute and understand the issues surrounding his detention.

The intervention became more urgent, Itari said, after the council received information about a planned solidarity march by youths and possible counter-protests by supporters of Eruani.

To prevent the disagreement from spilling into the streets, the IYC appealed to affiliated organisations to suspend planned demonstrations and allow space for dialogue.

Itari said the council initially explored whether Eruani would consider withdrawing the criminal proceedings against Daukoru, which could have created an avenue for his release while leaving the substantive civil dispute to be determined through the courts.

Eruani, however, reportedly told the council that he had no personal interest in keeping Daukoru in custody.

According to Itari, Eruani maintained that Daukoru’s social media activities had harmed his reputation, business interests and the public image he had built over the years.

The IYC secretary said Eruani indicated that he would consider withdrawing the criminal proceedings if Daukoru showed genuine remorse and issued a public apology through the same channels allegedly used to publish the offending material.

The businessman also questioned the need for the IYC’s intervention, arguing that Daukoru’s family, community leaders and traditional institutions were available to mediate the disagreement.

The council subsequently raised the matter with Governor Douye Diri during its first meeting with him.

Itari quoted the governor as saying that the dispute had not reached a point requiring direct intervention by the state government. Diri reportedly encouraged the parties to explore family, community and traditional structures as avenues for reconciliation.

The governor also cautioned youths against using social media to circulate unverified claims or engage in personal attacks, warning that such conduct could carry serious consequences.

On 21 August, Okotete and members of the 10th NEC visited Daukoru at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where they briefed him on their discussions with Eruani, the state government and other stakeholders.

Itari said the council made clear to Daukoru that its intervention was focused on his welfare and possible freedom and was not intended to interfere with his civil claims.

The IYC also distinguished the criminal proceedings from Daukoru’s reported civil claim, said to involve about N1.9 billion in compensation.

Daukoru, however, reportedly rejected the suggestion that he should apologise on terms he did not accept. He maintained that he had neither cyberbullied nor defamed Eruani and alleged that attacks through the media had originated from the other side.

According to Itari, Daukoru expressed confidence in his lawyers and remained determined to pursue the legal proceedings to their conclusion.

The council said the positions of both men had made it clear that it could not impose a settlement on either party.

While Eruani was said to be open to a negotiated resolution subject to certain conditions, Daukoru remained unwilling to issue the proposed apology.

The IYC nevertheless said it would keep the door open for dialogue and alternative dispute resolution should both parties become willing to explore a negotiated settlement.

“The 10th NEC is not driven by emotions, sentiments or partisan interests. Our position is simple: we want peace, justice, reconciliation and the protection of Ijaw lives, potentials and businesses,” Itari said.

He added that the council would not take sides or allow itself to become a platform for one Ijaw person to vilify another.

The IYC also reiterated its respect for the judiciary and the legal rights of all parties, stressing that its role was to encourage dialogue rather than determine the merits of the cases before the courts.

Itari said the council believed prolonged incarceration should not be allowed to deepen divisions where there remained a genuine opportunity for peaceful engagement.

He said the IYC would remain available to facilitate constructive discussions whenever the parties were prepared to consider reconciliation.

The council issued the statement partly to clarify its position amid competing accounts of the dispute circulating on social media.

“Ijaw First. Unity Above Division. Peace Through Dialogue,” Itari said.