IYC urges unity amid Rivers political crisis

The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide (IYC) has called on key players in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers to set aside their differences and work together in the best interest of the people.

In a statement issued on Thursday, IYC spokesman, Mr Bedford Benjamin, warned that failure to do so could invite insecurity—something the Niger Delta region could not afford at this critical time in the nation’s history.

“The peace enjoyed in the Niger Delta for nearly two decades has been taken for granted, and merchants of crisis are not pleased with the relative stability in the oil-rich region.

“The recent events in Rivers call for urgent reflection. The ongoing blackmail, politically motivated media attacks, and contentious court rulings are putting immense pressure on the region. Attempts to instigate avoidable crises to serve selfish interests will not be tolerated.

“The actions of certain individuals in the Rivers State House of Assembly raise concerns about the political stability of the state and, by extension, the entire Niger Delta.

“A situation where one person’s ambition overrides the collective will of the people undermines democracy and fosters an environment where governance is dictated by the highest bidder. This will not be condoned,” Benjamin said.

Expressing disappointment, the IYC spokesman lamented the uncertain future facing the youth due to the current political turbulence.

“As the voice of the youth in the Niger Delta, we are deeply dismayed that the future our leaders promised to hand over to the next generation is now in jeopardy. Our dreams are being sacrificed by a few selfish, power-hungry individuals.”

Benjamin also condemned what he described as “sponsored publications” designed to instigate ethnic conflicts in Rivers.

“The unscrupulous individuals masquerading as Ijaw youth leaders to give the crisis an ethnic coloration must desist immediately. The people of Rivers are fully aware of those who genuinely have their interests at heart and those merely serving personal political agendas.

“Democracy is about the people, and the people of Rivers will rise above ethnic divisions to defend its principles.”

Benjamin further urged the people of Rivers to remain united beyond political affiliations and resist all forms of political oppression.

“The 27 allegedly hypnotised errand boys must understand that they stand against over four million Rivers people.

“The Federal Government must recognise that if Rivers descends into chaos due to this easily resolvable political crisis, it will be a direct blow to their Renewed Hope Agenda as championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Such a situation would not only undermine the administration’s credibility but also constitute a grave assault on democracy.

“To prevent insecurity in Rivers, the conscience of the people must be reconsidered to avert a potential breakdown of law and order,” the IYC spokesman said