Akure, May 29, 2025, the political temperature within the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency rose sharply today as the Arogbo Ijaw Ibe Youth Council (AIIYC) issued a no-holds-barred condemnation of the Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI), labeling their recent attack on the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) as a “misguided outburst” filled with “egocentrism and misplaced priorities.”
In a blistering press release signed by Comrade Shoki Gbadia (President) and Comrade Ebikontei Utanghan (Publicity Secretary), the AIIYC didn’t just defend the IYC’s vote of confidence on Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, but they doubled down, declaring full and unequivocal support for the lawmaker and slamming MRAI for what they called “political manipulation disguised as advocacy.”
Their statement reads in full:
PRESS STATEMENT
MRAI’s Misguided Outburst: A Display of Egocentrism and Misplaced Priorities
The attention of the Arogbo Ijaw Ibe Youth Council (AIIYC) has been drawn to an unfortunate, misinformed, and grossly misplaced attack by the so-called Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) against the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) for their recent and well-deserved Vote of Confidence passed on Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, Member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
As the apex youth body of the Arogbo-Ijaw ethnic nationality, we consider MRAI’s utterances not only irresponsible and ego-driven, but a disservice to the unity and progress of our beloved constituency. One would have expected MRAI, as a self-acclaimed pressure group, to be adequately informed of the unprecedented strides Hon. Ojogo has achieved in less than two years of representing us. Sadly, their statement reflects gross ignorance, or worse, deliberate mischief aimed at scoring cheap political points.
Let us remind MRAI and their ilk: Hon. Donald Ojogo is the very first Arogbo-Ijaw man to represent Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. His emergence was a fulfilment of our long-standing agitation for justice and inclusion, and his performance so far has far exceeded all expectations.
From empowerment initiatives and job placements, to the provision of meaningful infrastructure, Hon. Ojogo has redefined representation:
Construction of footbridges and jetties in both Ilaje and Ese-Odo.
Agwobiri Landing Concrete Jetty at Arogbo.
Water project at Amapere.
Multiple wooden walkway jetties across communities in Ilaje and Arogbo.
₦100,000 cash support to every law graduate from the constituency.
Recognition and ₦500,000 support to all youth bodies during the last Christmas season, too numerous mention but few.
Sponsorship of the bill to establish the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Entrepreneurial Studies at Agadagba-Obon, now successfully at the committee stage after passing second reading.
These are not just token gestures. They are concrete, people-centered interventions that have directly touched lives across the constituency.
If MRAI were truly interested in the progress of Arogbo-Ibe, they would have commended these efforts and joined the IYC in celebrating a man who has become a beacon of hope and a symbol of responsible leadership. Instead, they chose the path of baseless criticism, driven by nothing but egotism and political manipulation.
Let us also remind MRAI: you once passed votes of confidence on others in power, and no group rose to question your motives. So why the bitterness now that the IYC has done the same for a performing son of Arogbo?
It is on record that AIIYC championed the “Arogbo-Ijaw for Reps 2023”, movement— a battle we fought with everything to ensure political equity and fair representation. We will not sit idly by and watch any group, no matter how they are disguised, attempt to destroy what we labored to build.
Those who held the same office before Hon. Ojogo brought nothing to our people. Yet, their kinsmen did not take to cyberspace to tear them down. But it seems when an Arogbo man performs, it unsettles some elements. We refuse to accept this double standard.
We therefore unequivocally endorse Hon. Donald K. Ojogo as a worthy representative of our constituency, and we warn MRAI and other politically-sponsored detractors to desist from these reckless attempts to undermine a serving representative who has prioritized development and empowerment.
Let it be known: we will not allow anyone to be used as a political tool to attack those delivering the dividends of democracy to our people. History will remember where everyone stood in times like these”. The statement ended.
This bold response by the AIIYC is being hailed by observers as a timely defense of credible leadership, and a warning shot against political antagonists trying to sow division within the Arogbo-Ijaw political space.
With Hon. Donald Ojogo widely regarded as a high-performing federal legislator, this statement may well shift the political tide in his favour ahead of the next political cycle, while exposing MRAI to harsh scrutiny over their true intentions.
Signed:
Comr. Shoki Gbadia, President.
Comr. Ebikontei Utanghan,
Publicity Secretary
Arogbo Ijaw Ibe Youth Council,
29/05/2025.
