JUST IN: IYC distances self from national protest, urges Tinubu to address hardship

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone has distanced itself from the proposed national protest billed for August 1.

The zonal Ijaw apex youth group in a statement signed by its chairman, Nicholas Igarama, secretary

Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq and Information Officer, Tare Magbei said that the Ijaw Youths were not properly consulted and briefed about the protests by its organisers.

While distancing itself from the protest, IYC demands the implementation of the resolutions reached at the 2014 national confab, reduction of petrol and gas prices, fixing and putting local refineries into use, among others.

Read the full statement.

PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL, WESTERN ZONE ON WEDNESDAY July 31, 2024

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria: Our Standpoint

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, after a thorough and diligent consultation with the IYC National Executive Council and critical stakeholders, affirms the following;

1. That Nigeria is currently faced with diverse and severe economic hardship labels occasioned by the implementation of poorly thought-out policies like the hike in pump price of petrol and electricity tariff.

2. That the demands of the organizers of the proposed nationwide protest, which includes implementation of the resolutions reached at the 2014 national confab, reduction of petrol and gas prices, fixing and putting local refineries into use, among other demands are timely and in order.

3. However, after thorough deliberation and consideration of the current socio-political climate and the interests of our people, we present the following reasons for our standpoint:

a. That the Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone and its national body was not duly consulted nor carried along by organizers of the proposed protest in the design of their demands.

b. That IYC, the most structured and reputable youth organisation in sub-Saharan Africa will not be coerced into partaking in a protest that is organized by faceless entities with no actionable plans.

c. That the proposed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest themed “10 Days of Rage” has so much unexplainable undertones and symptoms of a revolution, and bears so much risk.

d. The proposed protest lacks a unified and strategic leadership structure. This ambiguity can lead to mismanagement of the protests, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of unintended consequences.

e. Protests of this nature can escalate quickly, leading to unintended consequences such as property damage, loss of lives, and increased tension between communities. Hence, our people must avoid actions that could result in long-term detriments to our society.

d. There is a significant risk that the protest could be infiltrated by elements with ulterior motives, leading to chaos and violence. Such a scenario would only serve to tarnish the image of the Ijaw nation and jeopardize the safety of our youths.

e. The Niger Delta has recently enjoyed a period of relative peace and stability. This protest could disrupt this hard-earned tranquility and potentially lead to violent clashes, which could further undermine our struggles with development efforts.

f. As a community, we treat with respect the counsel of the National Executive Council and prominent leaders of Ijaw nation, and their calls for us to shun the protest is based on a deep understanding of the potential risks involved.

g. While we recognize the importance of addressing bad governance at the national level, it is crucial that we also focus on local issues that directly impact the Ijaw nation. Our energies should be directed towards tackling challenges within our immediate environment.

4. Conclusively, the Ijaw Youth Council, Western Zone, strongly advises all Ijaw youths to abstain from the proposed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest owing to the aforementioned standpoints of Council.

Our commitment to peace, stability, and constructive engagement remains unwavering. Let us continue to work together for the betterment of our community through peaceful and progressive means.

God Bless Nigeria

God Bless Niger Delta

God Bless Ijaw Nation

Signed,

Nicholas Igarama

Chairman, IYC Western Zone

Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq

Secretary, IYC Western

Tare Magbei

Information Officer, IYC Western Zone