Ijaw youths urge militants to embrace peace

The Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) has urged militants operating in the Niger Delta region to sheathe their swords and allow President Muhammadu Buhari to implement his developmental plans in the region.

Speaking through its President, Udengs Eradiri yesterday, the umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide said they were excited at the recent letter the President sent to the National Assembly seeking more funds for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

Eradiri, who spoke in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, said the request for more funds for the amnesty office portrayed Buhari as a listening President.

He said though the action of the President came later than expected, it would go a long way to calm the frayed nerves in the region, adding that it was in conformity with the position of IYC.

He, therefore, advised the President to show similar commitment in improving the lots of other institutions created to develop the region such as the Niger Delta Ministry and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He said: “We want to commend the President and thank him because once we have this kind of commitment, Niger Delta question will be resolved. We look forward to doing everything possible on our part to ensure that there is peace.“We are appealing to the President to in the same spirit look into the Niger Delta Ministry as well as funds that are owed NDDC.”