The leadership of the Ijaw Youths Council Worldwide has issued a stern warning against any form of violence before, during, and after the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The council called on politicians involved in the November 11 election to adhere to the rules and refrain from stoking tensions.
In a communiqué issued after an Executive Council meeting and sent to the media in Port Harcourt, the IYC also urged the federal and state governments to address the ongoing flooding crisis in the Niger Delta region.
The communiqué, signed by the IYC President, Dr. Alayi Theophilus, emphasized the importance of preserving peace and safety in the state. The IYC stated that politicians would be held responsible if any lives were lost during or after the election. They called on politicians to avoid hate speech and focus on presenting their electoral manifestos.
Regarding the flooding in the Niger Delta region, the IYC acknowledged the support provided by the federal government and other organizations to flood victims but emphasized the need for a permanent solution. They urged the construction of critical drainage systems and the dredging of flood-prone communities in the region to mitigate future flooding.
The IYC President also called on the government to prioritize and implement lasting solutions, including constructing drainage systems that would redirect water to the sea and initiating comprehensive coastline dredging. They also urged the government to make a previously abandoned dam in Adamawa functional and create additional dams within flood-prone areas. These dams, once operational, could serve as water reservoirs and sources of hydropower.
The IYC accused the Delta State Governor of marginalizing Ijaw communities in the state in the recent awarding of N78 billion worth of contracts. They called for a review of the contracts to include Ijaw communities and stressed the importance of considering the interests of all communities in development initiatives.
Additionally, the IYC condemned all forms of police brutality within the Niger Delta region, particularly recent incidents in Delta State and Rivers State. They demanded justice for the victims. The council also warned against external interference in surveillance activities conducted by the Federal Government and NNPC, asserting that Tompolo had demonstrated effectiveness in handling contracts awarded to his company.