Ijaw group warns politicians against setting Rivers state on fire

By Jude Opara

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has 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.
The council stated this in a communique issued on 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 sued for peace.
It said the peace and security summit, held on May 17, 2024, was aimed to unite all youth groups from the diverse ethnic nationalities of the region.
The communique was 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.
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 stated: “On the political instability 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.”