Niger Delta
IYC Wants Unity Amid Rivers Political Crisis
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwider has called on key players in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State to set aside their differences and work together in the best interest of the people.
A statement by its spokesman, Mr. Bedford Benjamin, warned that failure to do so could invite insecurity, something the Niger Delta region could not afford at this critical time in the nation’s history.
“The peace enjoyed in the Niger Delta for nearly two decades has been taken for granted, and merchants of crisis are not pleased with the relative stability in the oil-rich region.
“The recent events in Rivers call for urgent reflection. The ongoing blackmail, politically motivated media attacks, and contentious court rulings are putting immense pressure on the region. Attempts to instigate avoidable crises to serve selfish interests will not be tolerated.
“The actions of certain individuals in the Rivers State House of Assembly raise concerns about the political stability of the state and, by extension, the entire Niger Delta.
“A situation where one person’s ambition overrides the collective will of the people undermines democracy and fosters an environment where governance is dictated by the highest bidder. This will not be condoned,” Benjamin said.
Expressing disappointment, the IYC spokesman lamented the uncertain future facing the youth due to the current political turbulence.
“As the voice of the youth in the Niger Delta, we are deeply dismayed that the future our leaders promised to hand over to the next generation is now in jeopardy. Our dreams are being sacrificed by a few selfish, power-hungry individuals”, he said.
Benjamin also condemned what he described as “sponsored publications” designed to instigate ethnic conflicts in Rivers.
“The unscrupulous individuals masquerading as Ijaw youth leaders to give the crisis an ethnic coloration must desist immediately. The people of Rivers are fully aware of those who genuinely have their interests at heart and those merely serving personal political agendas.
“Democracy is about the people, and the people of Rivers will rise above ethnic divisions to defend its principles”, stated further.
Benjamin urged the people of Rivers State to remain united beyond political affiliations and resist all forms of political oppression.
“The 27 allegedly hypnotised errand boys must understand that they stand against over four million Rivers people.
“The Federal Government must recognise that if Rivers descends into chaos due to this easily resolvable political crisis, it will be a direct blow to their Renewed Hope Agenda as championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Such a situation would not only undermine the administration’s credibility, but also constitute a grave assault on democracy.
“To prevent insecurity in Rivers, the conscience of the people must be reconsidered to avert a potential breakdown of law and order”, the IYC spokesman said.
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The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.
Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.
Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.
He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.
In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.
“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.
Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.
The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.
The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.
Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.
He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.
“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.
“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.
“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.
The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.
Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.
The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.
The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.
Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.
The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.
Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.
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