The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on the federal government to initiate a process of restructuring the country without further delay.
It added that the burden of leadership and development was too concentrated at the centre, saying true federalism was essential for the prosperity of the nation.
The council made the call in a communique issued Sunday at the end of a one-day peace and security summit convened by the IYC with leaders of various youth bodies from different ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta held on May 17, 2023.
The communique jointly signed by IYC National President, Alaye Theophilus, President, Bayelsa Youth Association, Doupere Precious, President Ibom Youth Council, Lord Knight, President Urhobo Youth Leader Council, Emuejevoke Esesiobe, among other presidents of national youth groups, said the summit was aimed at uniting all youth groups from the diverse ethnic nationalities of the region.
It stated: “We believe that only True Federalism can transform our nation. Therefore, we call on the federal government to initiate a process of restructuring this country as a matter of national importance.
“The burden of leadership and development is too concentrated in the presidency. True federalism is essential for the prosperity of our nation, and we need it now.”
The council also vowed that it won’t allow the current political turbulence in the Rivers state between Governor Siminilayi Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike plunge the state into crisis.
It said the state was critical to both the region and the nation, and as such it cannot stand idle and watch while it descends into crisis.
The council noted: “On the Political Stability in Rivers State, we urge the politicians causing political turbulence in the state to sheath their swords. This state is critical to both the region and the nation, and we cannot stand idle and watch while it descends into crisis.
“We advocate for peace throughout the entire Niger Delta region, not just in Rivers State. Peace fosters development, and we are committed to preventing the current crisis in Rivers State from escalating into a breakdown of law and order.”
The council stressed that as a matter of national urgency, the federal government should, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), direct all International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in our region to relocate their head office to the Niger Delta region.
The council further called on the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, start the implementation of the 3 per cent host community fund in order for our people to enjoy the benefits of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“The gas flaring effect fund that is being collected by the federal government should be directed to the impacted communities rather than going into the federal government purse,” it said.
“We request that the federal government swiftly distributes pipeline contracts among different ethnic groups. While we are not opposed to a single company handling the contracts, we believe that involving multiple leaders from different areas will enhance effectiveness and yield better results.”
The council also urged the federal government to support the various states to reduce crime and create a business friendly environment for all.
It noted that the federal government should collaborate with various youth and community leaders to provide better waterway security in the region to boost the blue economy.
It called on the governors in the region to unite in combating common enemies — which are poverty and underdevelopment.
It also urged the governors to leverage their positions to champion peace and security in the region and to ensure that external forces like herdsmen do not undermine people.