The Director General center for Youth Development Bayelsa State Igali Robert, has come under fire from members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (KOLGA), who accuse him of hypocrisy and neglect of youth issues.
The criticism follows a public statement by Comrade Robert condemning a birthday message sent by Comrade Doubara Kumokou to Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva.
In a strongly worded response issued by Comrade Ebikpoemi Bobby Ugo, the Publicity Secretary of KOLGA APC, Robert was accused of lacking the moral authority to speak on behalf of Bayelsa youths due to his alleged history of self-serving behavior and silence on key matters affecting the youth population in the state.
The controversy centers around a birthday message Comrade Kumokou addressed to Chief Timipre Sylva, a former governor and influential political figure in Bayelsa. Igali Robert had criticized the gesture, prompting a swift and pointed rebuttal from the APC youth wing in KOLGA.
According to Comrade Ugo, Robert’s recent public condemnation “reeks of hypocrisy,” especially given his history of inaction during times of crisis involving Bayelsa’s youth. Ugo questioned Robert’s commitment to youth advocacy, pointing out that he remained silent during periods of intense violence and cult-related killings in Yenagoa and other parts of the state.
“Where was Igali Robert when youths were being killed?” Ugo asked in the statement. “Where was his voice when their peers were being hunted for protesting injustices? His silence speaks volumes about his priorities.”
The statement goes on to claim that Robert’s leadership has lost credibility among Bayelsa youths. Comrade Ugo noted that while Robert presents himself as a youth representative, his record shows a greater interest in personal advancement than in advocating for the welfare of young people in the state.
“It’s ironic that he’s now speaking out against a harmless birthday message while remaining silent on real and ongoing threats to the lives and futures of Bayelsa youths,” Ugo said.
The Publicity Secretary emphasized that Comrade Kumokou had once been widely recognized, including by Robert himself, as the “Youth Governor of Bayelsa State”—a symbolic title acknowledging his leadership role among young people. Ugo recalled that Robert had previously joined in celebrating Kumokou’s contributions, suggesting that Robert’s current stance is inconsistent and politically motivated.
“What’s even more striking,” Ugo said, “is that Igali Robert was among those who once celebrated Comr. Doubara Kumokou. A lot has changed since then, but it appears that what has really shifted is Robert’s commitment to youth advocacy.”
Comrade Ugo concluded by calling on Igali Robert to reflect on his past actions and reconsider his current role within the youth leadership structure of the state. He argued that Robert’s recent criticism of Comrade Kumokou was not only misplaced but further underscored his disconnect from the realities and priorities of Bayelsa’s younger population.
“The trust of the youth is not something to be taken for granted,” Ugo added. “It must be earned through consistent advocacy, genuine engagement, and a willingness to speak up when it truly matters.”
The exchange marks a deepening divide among youth leaders in Bayelsa State, as political alliances and loyalties continue to shape public discourse. The APC youth wing’s response to Igali Robert highlights ongoing tensions within the state’s youth movement and raises questions about the authenticity of leadership in addressing the challenges faced by young people across Bayelsa.
As political activity intensifies ahead of upcoming elections and party reshuffles, observers say such public disputes may become more frequent, reflecting the broader contest for influence among emerging political figures in the state.
