Rivers crisis: Sheath your swords – Ijaw youths urge Fubara, Wike, others

The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has urged politicians from plunging Rivers State into further crisis amidst the ongoing political instability that has rocked the oil-rich state over time.

The council stated this on Sunday in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Alaye Theophilus; President, Bayelsa Youth Association, Doupere Precious, among other national youth groups.

This came at the end of a one-day peace and security Summit held on May 17, 2024, which was convened by the IYC with leaders of various youth bodies from different ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region.

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Rivers State has been embroiled in a power tussle majorly between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who also happens to be Fubara’s predecessor.

Across several issues, the crisis ranges from who calls the shots in top political decisions, bowing to godfatherism, control of the State House of Assembly, and many more.

Despite the intervention of President Bola Tinubu to make both sides of the coin bury the hatchet, the crisis has continued to see the light of the day.

In its statement, the IYC stressed the significance of maintaining stability in the state, while it called on political leaders to “sheath their swords.”

The council stated, “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.

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“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 urged the Federal Government to restructure the country as it lamented the concentration of power in the presidency.

“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 partly read.

The Niger Delta region noted for its high volume of oil production has, several times, been reportedly polluted by oil-producing companies.

However, the IYC called on the FG to begin the implementation of the 3 per cent Host Community Fund “for our people to enjoy the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act.”

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“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 youths council said.

The statement also called on the governors in the region to unite in combating poverty and underdevelopment.