The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and youth leaders of different ethnic nationalities in Niger Delta have asked the governor of Rivers state, Simlalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to sheath their sword and allow peace to reign in the state.
They frowned at the prolonged hostilities between the two leaders which they said could have a debilitating effect on the nation’s socio-economic and political development, in view of the critical position of the state to both the Niger Delta region and the country.
This position was contained in a 17-point communique issued at the end one-day Peace and Security Summit convened by the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide with leaders of various youth bodies from different ethnic nationalities in Niger Delta in Abuja on Sunday.
The communique was jointly signed by IYC National President, Alaye Theophilus, President, Bayelsa Youth Association, Doupere Precious, President Ibom Youth Council, Lord Knight, President Urhobo Youth Leader Council, Emuejevoke Esesiobe, among other presidents of national youth groups
On the political stability in Rivers State, the youth leaders urged “the politicians causing political turbulence in the state to sheath their swords.
“Insisting that “the state is critical to both the region and the nation, and we cannot stand idle and watch while it descends into crisis.
“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 crises in Rivers State from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.”
The summit which coincided with the 56 years of commemoration of Late Major Adaka Boro aimed at uniting all youth groups from the diverse ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta region.
On the state of the country the youth leaders said: “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 summit then urged the federal government to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of the people of the area. It also called on government at the center to create opportunities for the development and meaningful engagement of the youth in constructive activities in order to reduce crime in the country.
Reaffirming their commitment to the unity, development, peace, and security of our oil-rich region, the youth leaders resolved to collaborate and closely monitor development efforts in the area, adding that government should collaborate with various youth and communities leaders to provide a better waterway security in the region to boast the blue economy.
Given the significant economic resources in the region, the summit further urged the federal government to make positive and impactful investments to transform the region into the economic hub of the country.
“The gas flaring effect fund that is a being collected by the federal government should be directed to the impacted communities rather than going into the federal government purse. The federal government should as a matter of urgency start the implementation of the 3 percent host community fund.”
The summit then called on the governors of the region to unite in combating our common enemies, which were identified as poverty and underdevelopment.
“We urge the governors to leverage their positions to champion peace and security in the region and to ensure that external forces like Herdsmen do not undermine people.”
Rivers crisis: Sheath your swords, Ijaw youth counsel Wike, Fubara
