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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has warned politicians involved in the forthcoming November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State that it would not tolerate any form of bloodshed before, during and after the poll.
It also appealed to the federal and state governments to prioritise lasting solutions to flood disasters in the Niger Delta region.
IYC in a communique, signed by its president, Alayi Theophilus, after its executive council meeting said political actors and gladiators must shun any act that could escalate tension in Bayelsa during the forthcoming poll.
The council asked politicians to shun hate speeches and focus on selling their manifestoes to the people.
“It is our firm belief that the lives and safety of Ijaw citizens should always supersede political considerations and electoral processes. We shall hold politicians responsible if any Ijaw life is lost during and after the election.
“The IYC shall not fold its arms to see that the existing peace we enjoy in the state is damaged. We advise all politicians to shun hate speeches and focus on telling us their manifestos. Our lives are worth more than any political ambition,” IYC said.
While commending the Federal Government and other organisations for their support for flood victims in the region, IYC said to permanently address the problem, there must be construction of critical drainage systems and dredging of flood-prone communities of the region.
“The Bola Tinubu-led government must make our abandoned dam in Adamawa functional and create additional three dams within the flood channels to cushion the effect of flood in subsequent years. These dams, when completed and made functional, will not just serve as water reservoirs, but also as a source of hydropower that will add to the national grid.”
The IYC accused the Delta State governor of marginalising Ijaw communities in the state in his recent award of N78 billion contracts. The council said: “While we acknowledge and commend the Delta State governor for his efforts in awarding a significant N78 billion contract, we find it disheartening to observe the marginalization of the Ijaw territories. Projects like the Ayakoromo bridge which is barely N6 billion to completion are begging for attention.
“The Ojobo road is abandoned. It is, therefore, unjust to exclude Ijaw territories in the N78 billion contract awarded by the Delta State government. The IYC calls on the Delta State governor to review his move to include Ijaw communities. We assert that the interests of all communities must be earnestly considered in development initiatives.”
The council further condemned all forms of police brutality within the Niger Delta region particularly recent incidents in Delta State and Rivers State and demanded justice for victims.
Also, the IYC warned against external interference in the surveillance activities of the Federal Government and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, insisting that Tompolo had demonstrated effectiveness in handling contracts awarded to his company.
