Following the hardship hitting Nigerians, the Ijaw youths, under the aegis of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), have threatened to commence a 14-day protest, saying it would however consult with Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Clark, and other stakeholders before taking such action.
IYC President, Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, who disclosed this in a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, also accused some top government officials of politicizing the hardship.
Theophilus specifically accused the Group Chief Executive Officer GCEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari and the Petroleum Minister (State), Heineken Lokpobiri of politicizing the operations of the oil and gas sector, resulting in severe national hardship for Nigerians.
According to the IYC, “the actions of the NNPC leadership and the Petroleum Minister (Oil) have contributed to the ongoing economic challenges, which are most felt in oil-producing regions like the Niger Delta. Their inability to effectively manage the nation’s oil resources has led to a ripple effect of hardship, including high fuel prices, scarcity of petroleum products, and a strain on the national economy.
“The mismanagement and political maneuvering within the oil sector are evident. The decisions made by these key figures are not in the best interest of the people but rather serve political interests that further marginalize the already struggling regions, especially the Niger Delta, which bears the brunt of oil exploration”, he added.
The IYC President stressed that the NNPC boss and the minister have failed in their responsibilities to ensure transparency and accountability in the oil sector.
He noted that the politicization of oil revenues and contracts has exacerbated the economic crisis, leaving citizens grappling with inflated prices of essential commodities and an overall decline in living standards.
Dr Theophilus also accused the leadership of sidelining the oil-producing communities, particularly the Ijaw nation, in decisions that directly affect their welfare, pointing out that the Niger Delta, despite being the hub of Nigeria’s oil wealth, continues to suffer from environmental degradation, unemployment, and poor infrastructure due to the neglect by those in power.
“Their continuous stay in office is a disservice to the nation. We demand that the President take decisive action by removing these individuals from their positions to restore confidence in the oil sector and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
“Failure to act swiftly may lead to further unrest in the region and the IYC will embark on Niger Delta protest for 14days after due consultations with Pa Clark and other stakeholders who have the interest of the ijaw man at heart because the youth are growing increasingly frustrated with the government’s handling of the nation’s oil wealth.
“The Ijaw Youth Council, which represents the interests of the Ijaw ethnic group, has long been an advocate for the equitable distribution of oil wealth and greater autonomy for the Niger Delta region.
“Our statement echoes the growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders in the oil-producing regions, who feel marginalized despite their significant contributions to the nation’s economy”, he added.
