The Isoko Development Union (IDU) has declared the purported impeachment of the leadership of its Youth Wing (IDU-YW) null and void, insisting that the existing leadership should remain in place pending the resolution of the internal crisis and allegations of financial misconduct.
In a press release issued on Monday, October 12, the IDU said the parent body, led by its National President-General, Prof. Chris Akpotu, had intervened in the dispute and directed the youth factions to pursue reconciliation, submit financial records for investigation and withdraw court cases arising from the crisis.
Key Highlights
- Impeachment rejected: The IDU has declared the purported removal of the Youth Wing leadership null and void.
- Leadership status quo: The union wants the existing leadership to remain in place until the dispute is resolved.
- Financial allegations under scrutiny: The factions have been asked to submit statements of account and records of financial transactions.
- Court cases unresolved: The IDU says its directive to withdraw cases has not been implemented, although an adjournment was reportedly secured until November 5.
- Independent investigation proposed: The parent body says it should oversee an impartial investigation into the allegations.
- Youths urged to remain calm: The union has promised another meeting to resolve the crisis and restore peace.
IDU Rejects Impeachment of Youth Wing Leadership
The IDU said it was responding to a publication titled “Notice of Impeachment and Introduction of New Leadership,” which had circulated among members of the public.
According to the statement, the Youth Wing has experienced internal leadership disputes, factional disagreements and concerns over transparency and conduct, prompting the intervention of the parent body.
The union argued that the IDU-YW is structurally linked to the main organisation and that its leadership and operations must be considered within the framework of the parent body’s constitution and applicable regulations.
It maintained that the purported impeachment, said to have followed the consideration of an investigative committee’s report on Saturday, October 10, could not override decisions reached by the IDU Executive, stakeholders and members of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The union consequently declared the action null and void, pending the resolution of the crisis.
IDU Directs Youth Factions to Submit Financial Records
The statement said the IDU Executive, stakeholders, the Board of Trustees and the relevant Local Government Chairman had intervened following petitions and counter-petitions from the Youth Wing.
As part of the proposed resolution, both factions were asked to submit their statements of account and details of financial transactions connected to allegations of financial misappropriation.
The records, the union said, would provide a basis for a proper and impartial investigation into the allegations.
The IDU also called for the withdrawal of court cases arising from the dispute. However, it said the directive had yet to be implemented, although the President-General had authorised a lawyer to secure an adjournment until November 5 to allow room for settlement or further action.
The union appealed to the factions to maintain the existing leadership arrangement until the necessary investigations, disciplinary processes and reconciliation efforts had been completed.
Financial Misconduct and Assault Allegations
The IDU said the crisis involved serious allegations against members of the Youth Wing, including financial misappropriation, diversion of funds, embezzlement and assault.
It stressed the need for an investigation that would be transparent, impartial and free from conflicts of interest.
According to the statement, a committee facing similar allegations involving its own members should not be responsible for determining matters in which those members may have an interest.
The union therefore proposed that the parent body should serve as an independent arbiter to oversee the process.
The allegations remain subject to investigation, and the statement did not establish that any individual had been found guilty of the alleged offences.
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IDU Calls for Reconciliation and Peace
The union criticised what it described as a departure from agreements reached during earlier meetings with its leadership and stakeholders.
It warned that actions taken outside the agreed process could worsen divisions among Isoko youths and undermine efforts to restore peaceful coexistence.
The IDU said another meeting would be convened as soon as possible to address the outstanding issues and establish a lasting framework for peace within the Youth Wing.
Prof. Akpotu also urged youths across the organisation to remain calm and law-abiding while the leadership worked towards resolving the dispute.
The statement said the overriding objective was to protect the interests of the Isoko nation and ensure that the leadership crisis did not escalate further.
IDU Leadership Seeks Resolution of Youth Wing Crisis
The latest intervention places responsibility on the IDU leadership and stakeholders to address the dispute through financial scrutiny, due process and reconciliation.
The central issues remain the legitimacy of the purported impeachment, the handling of the financial allegations, the status of the court cases and the arrangements for the Youth Wing’s leadership pending a final resolution.
The press release was issued on behalf of the IDU Executive, Clan Presidents-General and Board of Trustees by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief (Dr.) Jubilant Igelige, JP.
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