The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide says it’s not a party to the planned protest against the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and has tasked security agents to arrest those behind the purported protest.
In a statement signed by the IYC spokesperson, Binebai Princewill, the body stater that while it will continue to advocate for the growth, advancement, unity and progress of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta region, it will however, not seat idle to watch people trample on the fragile peace that currently reigns in the oil rich region.
“It is only aliens that would want to protest against the NDDC under Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director, that has shown and demonstrated clear commitments in redefining the NDDC for the betterment of the people.
“Any Ijaw son trying to protest against Ogbuku is an enemy of the Ijaw nation and enemy of progress hence should be treated as such”, the IYC declared.
It accused one Theophilous Alaye, of impersonation by speaking and organizing the planned anti-NDDC protest on behalf of the IYC.
“We are responding to correct the wrong impression created by Alaye before the public, to clarify that the IYC is not at war with the NDDC.
“Hence, the IYC is not staging any protest at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt on November 14, 2024. A misleading information that if not corrected might be seen as the truth.
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‘While protest is a democratic right of citizens, we would have kept quiet but for Alaye to issue such a statement using the name of the IYCz when he is not in any position to do so is why we are clarifying the general public to completely ignore his rantings.
“The IYC as one united family is solely under the leadership of Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri (Snr.) as President.
“Nevertheless, we are calling on all structures of council from all zones, chapters, parliament and clans to keep clear from such ill- conceived protest as it is not in the interest of the IYC and the Ijaw people at this critical time where a lot of forces are fighting against us.
“We are assuring founding fathers of council, leaders, organs of council and all sons and daughters of Ijaw nation that we will never renege in negotiating a better deal for our people.
“Finally, while we are completely disowning the purported protest by Alaye and his group of imposters, we are calling on security agencies and the management of the NDDC to arrest anyone who dares to go around the NDDC premises on November 14, and that such group of shenanigans should be dealt with in accordance with the law as impersonators and agents of retrogression”, the IYC said in its statement.
