Port Harcourt — The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC) has called on political leaders in Rivers State to prevent further escalation of the ongoing political crisis. The council's plea comes in the wake of continued instability that threatens the oil-rich state's peace and development.
In a statement issued on Sunday, jointly signed by National President Alaye Theophilus and Bayelsa Youth Association President Doupere Precious, among other youth leaders, the IYC emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in Rivers State. This appeal followed a one-day peace and security summit held on May 17, 2024, which brought together leaders of various youth organizations from the Niger Delta region.
Rivers State has been the center of a fierce power struggle primarily between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The conflict encompasses several issues, including political control, influence over the State House of Assembly, and other power dynamics.
Despite intervention efforts by President Bola Tinubu, the dispute remains unresolved. The IYC stressed the critical need for peace, urging political leaders to "sheath their swords" and focus on the state's well-being.
"On the political stability in Rivers State, we urge the politicians causing political turbulence in the state to sheath their swords. This state is critical to both the region and the nation, and we cannot stand idle and watch while it descends into crisis," the statement read. "We advocate for peace throughout the entire Niger Delta region, not just in Rivers State. Peace fosters development, and we are committed to preventing the current crisis in Rivers State from escalating into a breakdown of law and order."
The IYC also called on the Federal Government to initiate a process of restructuring the country, arguing that the concentration of power in the presidency is detrimental to national development.
"We believe that only true federalism can transform our nation. Therefore, we call on the Federal Government to initiate a process of restructuring this country as a matter of national importance. The burden of leadership and development is too concentrated in the presidency. True federalism is essential for the prosperity of our nation, and we need it now," the statement read.
Addressing the environmental issues in the Niger Delta, the IYC urged the Federal Government to implement the 3 percent Host Community Fund as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act, ensuring that local communities benefit from oil production.
"The gas flaring effect fund that is being collected by the federal government should be directed to the impacted communities rather than going into the federal government purse. We request that the federal government swiftly distributes pipeline contracts among different ethnic groups. While we are not opposed to a single company handling the contracts, we believe that involving multiple leaders from different areas will enhance effectiveness and yield better results," the statement added.
The council also called on governors in the Niger Delta to collaborate in addressing poverty and underdevelopment in the region.
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