N’Delta Youths Canvass True Federalism

As the committee on
National Conference embarks on a fact funding mission, Niger Delta youths say true federalism would reduce the agitation for state creation and revenue derivation problem in the country.
The youths who made the call in a communiqué after the 2013 Niger Delta youth leadership summit in Port Harcourt, noted that true federalism would also address the problems of alleged marginalisation of minority groups and reduce tension in politics of who controls the economy of the nation.
The communiqué read by the National Chairman of Niger Delta Youth Leaders, Mr Marvin Yobana called for urgent passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in the interest of the nation’s economy.
The communiqué also  called for local government autonomy and the inclusion of Nigerian youths in government policy formation.
The youths further called on the three tiers of government to create jobs through small and medium enterprises in the region.
They called on the federal, multi-national companies, states and local governments in Niger Delta to address urgently the region’s environmental neglect and expressed dismay over the federal government’s indifference to the issue of gas flaring in the area.
The youths, who commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for the on going power sector reform, reiterated their support for his administration.
In his welcome address, the Rivers State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sokubo said the summit was convened to ensure that youths of the Niger Delta region speak i one voice to chart their course at the proposed national dialogue.

Enoch Epelle