The National Secretary-Elect of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Barr. Ayebakuro Igbeta, Ph.D, has resigned from his position as Secretary-General of the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, clarifying that his decision was made strictly in compliance with the provisions of the IYC Constitution and not as an act of protest against the Bayelsa State Government.
In a statement issued on Friday, Igbeta dismissed rumours suggesting that his resignation was intended to spite the Prosperity Administration of Governor Douye Diri, insisting that such claims were false and malicious.
According to him, his resignation was necessitated by Section 13 of the IYC Constitution (2026, as amended), which requires any elected officer of the Council occupying a political office to resign within seven days of emerging victorious in an IYC election.
He explained that, having been elected National Secretary of the IYC Worldwide, it was imperative to obey the constitution and set a worthy example for other elected officers.
> “My resignation is in total submission to the IYC Constitution. As the holder of one of the highest offices in the Council, I believe I must lead by example and demonstrate loyalty to the oath we all swore to uphold,” he stated.
Igbeta expressed disappointment over attempts by some individuals to misrepresent the reason for his resignation, describing the allegations as deliberate efforts to create unnecessary political tension.
Addressing speculation surrounding the recently concluded IYC election, he dismissed claims that Governor Douye Diri had a preferred candidate for the National Secretary position.
According to him, all contestants were products of the Prosperity Administration and therefore the government emerged victorious regardless of the election’s outcome.
> “People are saying I was never the Governor’s preferred candidate, but I sincerely doubt the Governor had a preferred candidate. If His Excellency truly had one, it would have been almost impossible to defeat such a choice. We are all products of the Prosperity Government, so whichever way the election went, the administration still won,” he said.
The IYC National Secretary-Elect reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to Governor Douye Diri and the Prosperity Administration, noting that he has remained a committed supporter of the government since its inception.
He also acknowledged the mentorship and support he has received from the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, under whose supervision he has served, as well as the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepado, and several other senior government officials.
Igbeta stressed that resigning from office does not diminish his commitment to the administration, pledging to continue supporting Governor Diri’s policies and developmental agenda.
Reflecting on his departure from the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, he admitted feeling nostalgic but expressed satisfaction that his exit has created an opportunity for another qualified Bayelsan to serve.
> “By stepping aside, I have created an opportunity for another Prosperity believer to benefit from the government and contribute to youth development in our state,” he said.
He further urged political actors and stakeholders to focus on supporting the developmental vision of Governor Douye Diri rather than engaging in rumours and misinformation capable of distracting the government.
The former Secretary-General concluded by reaffirming his commitment to promoting peace, unity and development within the Ijaw nation, while commending Governor Diri for his pivotal role in fostering unity within the Ijaw Youth Council.
According to him, the peaceful and united IYC currently being witnessed is largely a product of the Governor’s commitment and leadership, for which he expressed profound appreciation.