Posted by Ahead of the governorship election in Bayelsa State on November 11, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, has issued a warning that it will hold politicians accountable for any loss of life.
The Council’s president, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, released a statement on Sunday warning lawmakers against using hate speech or taking other actions that could increase tensions in the state.
“As the Bayelsa State election looms on the horizon, we issue a stern caution to political actors and gladiators against any acts that could escalate tensions in the state,” said the message.
We are firmly of the opinion that the lives and security of Ijaw persons must always take precedence over partisan concerns and voting procedures. If any Ijaw is killed before, during, or after the election, those in power will be held accountable.
If the current stability of the state is threatened, the IYC will not stand idly by. We urge all politicians to avoid divisive rhetoric and instead present us with detailed plans for their terms in office. Our lives have more value than any amount of governmental power.
The Council also requested that the Federal Government examine the feasibility of constructing modular refineries in the Niger Delta region and speed up the process as soon as possible.
It also urged the government to move quickly to fulfill its commitment to have the Port Harcourt refinery up and running by December.
The IYC also urged the federal government to begin extensive coastline dredging around riverine settlements with low-lying landscape designs.
In addition, the statement stated, “The Bola Ahmed-led government must make our abandoned dam in Adamawa and create additional three dams within the flood channel to cushion the effect of flood in subsequent years.”
In addition to storing water, “these dams, once completed and made functional, will serve as a source of hydropower that will add to the national grid.”