Be proactive, defend Niger Delta people – Factional IYC caution South-South Governors

The leadership of the factional Ijaw Youths Congress, IYC, Worldwide led by Dr Theophilus Alaye, has cautioned the six governors of the South-South states to be more proactive on issues concerning the Niger Delta region.

Part of the concern raised by the group is the need for the governors to take decisions regarding the protection of the lives and properties of the people and the region seriously.

In a statement, signed and issued by the factional National Spokesperson of the group, Mr Bedford Berefa, said the governors of the states needed to collectively address the root cause of the crisis in Delta State, making in-depth investigations and settle all aggrieved parties to ensure continuous peace in the affected communities.

The statement reads, “We feel that the South-South Governors have become complacent in their states, having no clear cut leadership and regional development agenda as compared to other regions in the country”

”Permit me to also say that the Niger Delta region has become what it is today due to some perceived silence of leaders both in the past and present.

”Over the years, the IYC has continued to express concern on the docility of the governors of the Niger Delta region, particularly the Leadership of the South-South Governors, who are supposed to be at the forefront in handling the issues affecting the security and welfare of the people in the region, and we will continue to do.

”The current peace we experience in the region may become short-lived if something is not urgently done. Currently is the crisis in Delta state which we feel has not been properly investigated and other several issues begging for answers from our leaders.

”We feel that if not properly handled, this incident and other smoky issues could lead to(God Forbid) renewed hostility, the resurgence of hostage-taking, kidnapping, violence and restiveness among youths in the region.

”On the electricity tariff issue, as State governors have been given the power to generate their own electricity, the IYC urges the Governors of the South-South region, to maximally utilize the huge gas resources in the region to generate electricity for the people.

”The current economic situation in the country has impoverished many families in the region, we call on the Governors of the Niger Delta states, particularly, to begin to think strategically on ways to reduce the cost of living and make life easier for the people through several social intervention programmes.

”Failing to take action on most of these issues raised above within seven days may lead to organised protests on the streets of the Niger Delta states to press home our concerns, issues and agitations which are affecting our youths and women directly.