Oil Spill: Ijaw Youths Threaten to Shut Down Oil Facilities, Give FG 60-Day Ultimatum

–         Endorse Tinubu, Fubara for 2027 elections 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has given a final 60-day ultimatum to the federal government and all relevant agencies to immediately commence full-scale remediation and clean-up of all polluted Ijaw territories.

It stated categorically that upon the expiration of the ultimatum, and in the absence of visible and concrete action, it would collectively and decisively shut down all oil and gas facilities operating within Ijaw territories.

It added the Ijaw people would no longer tolerate the destruction of their land, waters, livelihoods, and future. 

The council also passed a vote of confidence and endorsement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state for a second tenure and President Bola Tinubu, for the 2027 general election.

The council made its decision known in a communique issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, after its National Convention held in Port Hacourt, Rivers State.

It stated: “The Convention unequivocally condemned the continued ecological violence, oil pollution, and environmental degradation being inflicted on Ijaw territories through decades of reckless oil and gas exploitation.

“The Ijaw Youth Council hereby issues a final and non-negotiable 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria and all relevant agencies to immediately commence full-scale remediation and clean-up of all polluted Ijaw territories.

“This Convention makes it abundantly clear that the Ijaw people will no longer tolerate the destruction of their land, waters, livelihoods, and future. 

“Upon the expiration of this ultimatum, and in the absence of visible and concrete action, the Ijaw Youth Council shall collectively and decisively shut down all oil and gas facilities operating within Ijaw territories, drawing precedence from the Ogoniland, no remediation, no oil and gas exploration and exploitation approach.

“Accordingly, the National President of the Ijaw Youth Council announced the constitution of a mobilisation and sensitisation committee mandated to visit all Ijaw territories, clans, and communities to educate, organise, and prepare the people for a coordinated and total shutdown of oil and gas operations should the federal government fail to act.”

The IYC emphasised that Ijaw resources can no longer be extracted from Ijaw land at the expense of Ijaw lives.

It said while it appreciates the work being carried out in Ogoniland, it however, stated without equivocation that, it holds no grudges against any tribe in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large for what they benefit from the federal government based on what they contribute.

The ijaw youth body, therefore, called on the federal government with immediate effect to sack the project coordinator of Hyprep Prof. Nenibarin Zabbey, who has shown that he lacks understanding of the mandate given to him and essences of the establishment of Hyprep.

“We also call on the federal government to also relieve the appointment of the Minister of Environment, who is the supervising minister of the Hyprep activities,” it said.

The IYC also endorsed Fubara and Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 elections.

It added: “Through a resounding voice affirmation, the Convention unanimously passed a vote of confidence and endorsement on His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for a second tenure, and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the 2027 general election.

“This position was taken in recognition of the leadership qualities the governor has shown over time, the governor’s commitment to a peaceful Rivers State for sustainable economic growth and development cannot be overemphasized. 

“The maturity he displayed when faced with challenges shows that he is well prepared for leadership. The governor as of day is a living hero of democracy, an ambassador of peace, a detribalized leader per excellence. 

“While Mr. President on his own part has won the heart of the Ijaw Youths, hence our declaration of total support of his re-election bid 2027 is solely on his show of genuine love and commitment in making sure there is peace in Rivers State in order for our governor, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, to govern Rivers people in peace. 

“Mr. president has told us why he should be trusted and we have seen it with the way he managed the Rivers State political impasse. Mr. President has given us reasons why the Ijaw Youths should support his re-election bid and we have seen reasons with him. Hence, the Ijaw Youths hereby declare our unalloyed support for Mr. President come 2027.”