The President of Azikel Group, Dr Eruani Azibapu, CFR, has clarified his position on the intervention by the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, in the ongoing civil and criminal cases involving Mr Kariya Dakoru.
In a statement signed by the Lead Spokesperson, Office of the President of Azikel Group, Mr Austin Ebibade, Dr Azibapu acknowledged that the IYC national leadership had visited and communicated with him over the litigations.
He, however, said he expressly cautioned the IYC leadership against asking Dakoru to withdraw his civil case or tender an apology.
“The Azikel Group and President had always encouraged the IYC leadership to allow Kariya Dakoru to pursue his civil case against the Azikel Group and the President to its logical and judicial conclusion,” the statement said.
The company said the clarification followed a recent statement by the IYC and reactions from some family members which resulted in misrepresentation of facts on social media.
It stressed that neither the Azikel Group nor its President would entertain further intervention or interaction with the IYC on the subject, insisting that all matters must now be concluded in court.
It urged all parties to allow the judicial process to determine the outcome without external interference.
IYC Explains Intervention
In its earlier statement, the IYC Worldwide said it remained committed to a peaceful resolution of the dispute between Dr Azibapu Eruani and Mr Kariyai Daukoru.
The statement signed by its National Secretary, Barr. Dr Ayebakuro Igbeta Itari, said the intervention by the 10th NEC led by Comr. Dr Doubra Collins Okotete followed information about planned solidarity marches and possible counter-protests.
Itari said the Council had contacted Eruani, including telephone conversations while he was abroad and three meetings after his return, as well as persons nominated by Daukoru’s family.
He said the Council appealed to affiliate organisations to suspend planned protests to create an atmosphere for dialogue.
“Our initial objective was to encourage Dr Eruani to consider withdrawing the criminal defamation and cyberstalking proceedings against Mr Daukoru. This was to create an avenue for his possible release while allowing the substantive civil dispute to proceed through appropriate legal channels,” he said.
He said Eruani alleged that Daukoru’s social media activities damaged his reputation and business interests, but that he had no personal interest in keeping him incarcerated.
Itari said the Council also engaged Governor Douye Diri, who advised the parties to explore family and traditional institutions for reconciliation.
According to him, during the Council’s visit to Daukoru at Kuje Correctional Centre on August 21, Daukoru insisted he did not cyberbully or defame Eruani and expressed confidence in his legal team to pursue the cases to their logical conclusion, including his reported N1.9 billion civil claim.
Itari said the IYC could not compel either party, but would continue to respect the independence of the judiciary and remain available to facilitate constructive engagement.
“The IYC 10th NEC remains committed to peaceful resolution, reconciliation and the protection of the interests of all Ijaw people,” he added.
