IYC condemns exclusion of Ijaws in recent govt appointments

The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has vehemently condemned and rejected the recent appointment of 45 chairpersons to head various federal government boards, agencies, organisations, and companies without the inclusion of a single Ijaw individual.

The prominent Nigeria youth group described the action by President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a gross abuse of God’s love for the Ijaws and warned the administration to rectify the alleged injustice immediately.

IYC spokesman, Binebai Princewill, in a statement, said the exclusion is not only a politically motivated anomaly but also a deliberate attempt to undermine and marginalize the Ijaw people within the Nigerian state.

He said that despite their peaceful disposition and significant contributions to the nation’s economy, the Ijaws continue to face systematic exclusion and marginalization.

“The appointment of 45 chairpersons without any Ijaw representation is a complete violation of the Federal Character principle and a clear manifestation of hatred towards the Ijaw people by the Tinubu administration,” he said.

“Why is that the President love for Nigeria and Nigerians is not spread to Ijaw land and Ijaw people. Ijaw is part of Nigeria and should not be treated as an invisible peripheral people.

“There is absolutely no justification for excluding the Ijaws from these positions. The Ijaw community boasts of capable and competent individuals across various states like Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia States who are more than qualified for these roles.”

The body insists that Tinubu must recognise that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic state and that political appointments must reflect this diverse composition.

“He must prioritise inclusivity and ensure equitable representation across all ethnic groups,” the group said.

“The IYC unequivocally condemns the recent appointments and calls on President Tinubu and his administration to rectify this injustice immediately.

“The Ijaws will not tolerate further manipulation and discrimination. The government loses legitimacy when its actions and policies disregard the interests of the legitimate people of Nigeria.”