IYC Directs Niger Delta Youths to Join Nationwide Protests

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has directed Ijaw youths to join the nationwide protests against bad governance scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024.

The federal government had rallied traditional rulers and religious leaders to persuade the youths against joining the protests.

But unfazed by the move, the President of IYC, Dr. Theophilus Alaye in a statement issued yesterday directed the Ijaw youths to join the peaceful protests.

Reacting to statements issued by the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector General of Police, state governors, ministers and other top government functionaries urging the youths not to stage any protests, Alaye said from the colonial era to the present dispensation, Nigerians have protested to register their displeasure against bad governance.

He wondered why the present administration was kicking against citizens’ decision to express their dissatisfaction over the current hardship in the country.

The IYC president recalled that the APC government rode to power in 2015 on the crest of protest against the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government for its alleged inability to tackle insecurity, unemployment and corruption.

Alaye said protest is a universal right of citizens to draw attention of those in authority to examine their conduct, programmes and policies and tailor such for the overall development of the country.

The council said: “Dr. Alaye Theophilus has on behalf of Council called on the Youths of the Niger Delta particularly of Ijaw extraction to join the proposed nationwide protest billed for August 1, 2024.

“The hardship faced by the people of the Niger Delta, particularly those at the hinterlands is becoming unbearable as a litre of fuel now sells for over N2,000; one pure water sells for N100 and other essential commodities have gone beyond the reach of the people.

“Sudden death has become a common occurrence in the rural area due to hunger and untold suffering,” the council said.

The council, therefore, urged security agents to be cautious in their approach and not to be overzealous and brutal while monitoring the protests in order to maintain law and order.