…’I’m still President-General’
The crisis rocking the Ogoni Youth Federation, OYF, has taken a different dimension as the group said it has expelled it’s President-General, Dr Legborsi Yamaabana over alleged embezzlement and gross misconduct.
OYF in a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Goteh Bie, acting President-General, Hon. Mesua Mtormabari, Secretary General, Barr. Lene Kingsley Lekue, Publicity Secretary, Amb Dimkpa Kingsley, Financial Secretary and Engr Faith B. Nuate said the decision was reached at the 6th National Congress of the body held 30th November, 2023 at Saakpenwa, Tai LGA, Rivers State.
The group also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate Yamaabana with a view to recovering funds meant for development in Ogoniland.
According to the statement, the congress deliberated on issues in the federation especially the protest at operational headquarters of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, HYPREP, in Port Harcourt, the allegation of financial embezzlement and receipt of gratification against Dr Legborsi Yamaabana while the National Executive Council presented the report of findings by the Disciplinary Committee set up to probe Yamaabana.
At the end of the congress the following resolutions was reached.
“A motion for vote of no confidence was moved by Comrade Raymond Nwibana Marcus on Dr Legborsi Yamaabana, the former member and President General, Ogoni Youths Federation, he also moved a motion for the indefinite suspension and expulsion of Dr Legborsi Yamaabana from OYF and was seconded by Comrade King Godwin.
“Comrade Joseph Ledunebari from Khana LGA raised a motion for the financial investigation of Dr Legborsi Yamaabana by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in enabling the nation recover funds meant for Ogoni youths and for developmental projects in Ogoni and was seconded by Comrade Mrs Jeniffer Kpobari.
“The Congress in a voice vote unanimously seconded that Dr Legborsi Yamaabana be expelled from Ogoni Youth Federation, OYF, for gross misconduct.
“The acting President-General, Comrade Emmanuel Bie urged Dr Legborsi Yamaabana, the former PG to return all documents, media IDs/ Passwords of all materials pertaining and relating to OYF to the Secretary General or face punitive actions,” the statement said.
Findings of the Disciplinary Committee headed By Lene Kingsley Lekue as contained in a report made available to this publication alleged that Yamaabana was found guilty of signing contract document for the Environmental Impact Assessment for 100 Bed Hospital at Kpite Tai in the column of the company Director of Ecosafe Services Limited and in the capacity of OYF President-General with his photograph without disclosing same to the NEC of OYF, amounting to gratification and a breach of Article 10 (9) of the OYF constitution.
The report also said that the proposal sent to HYPREP for the orientation of Ogoni youths on artisanal refining by the Centre for Social Justice and Environmental Right Protection which was rejected by HYPREP led to the protest on the 23rd day of November, 2023 unknown to Ogoni youths.
In his reaction, Yamaabana denied all allegations against him, insisting that he remained President-General of OYF.
He said the persons that allegedly expelled him have no such powers as they were not members of the body having been suspended at a congress held in Bori, Khana LGA on November 26, 2023, alleging further that they were being bankrolled by HYPREP as agents of divide and rule.
