The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has declared its intention to stage a significant protest against President Bola Tinubu, citing the worsening conditions faced by the Ijaw community and Nigerians at large.
The council’s National Spokesman, Amb Binebai Princewill, announced this decision on Tuesday, stating that it was made after consulting with key Ijaw stakeholders and reviewing the government’s policies that are detrimental to the Ijaw community.
The IYC criticizes the Federal Government for favoring Dangote Cement at the expense of local companies like Ibeto and Eagle Cements, causing economic hardship for the people. The council plans to take action against Dangote and BUA cements in the near future. They also demanded immediate lift of ban on Ibeto and Eagle cement.
Princewill stated that the council has resolved to shut down the country as the only remaining option. He warned Ijaw members in the Tinubu Government to expect mass protests demanding improved living conditions for the Ijaw people, accusing them of being indifferent to the community’s struggles.
The council accuses the Tinubu-led Federal Government of pushing the Ijaw people to the brink with policies such as the covert sale of Nigerian Agip Oil Company to Oando, political manipulation of the Ijaw community, exclusion of Ijaw individuals from key positions in MDAs, attempted sale of Shell’s onshore assets without offering the community the right of first refusal, and the continued refusal to relocate the headquarters of the Federal Government of Nigeria and IOCs back to the Niger Delta region.
The IYC also criticizes the government for the escalating cost of living in Nigeria, the depreciation of the naira against the dollar, and the increase in fuel prices and market commodities. The council argues that a responsible government should work to stabilize these conditions for its citizens. They claim that the Tinubu Government has brought ruin to Nigeria in just a few months, resulting in unbearable living conditions for Nigerians.
The IYC plans to protest against Dangote Cement and BUA over the increased prices of their products. They argue that Dangote used the Federal Government to eliminate competition from Eagle and Ibeto Cements, which were produced in the Niger Delta region and were more affordable. The council views the political monopolization of the cement industry in favor of Aliko Dangote as a significant problem that needs to be addressed.
The council reiterates that this press release serves as a warning and that the status quo cannot continue if the government remains indifferent to the suffering of the people. They warn of severe consequences if conditions continue to deteriorate.
