Ijaw Youths bemoan state of NDDC, Amnesty programme; To review stance with IOCs

The newly elected executives of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) on Tuesday bemoaned the state of affairs in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Oilfields in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement signed by its President Mr Peter Igbifa, the youth group noted that henceforth the youths of the Niger Delta region would approach its relationship with International Oil Companies (IOCs) on the principle of reciprocity.

He noted that the harsh decisions by oil firms on their workforce leading to job losses were not acceptable to the youths who were at the receiving end of the obnoxious labour practices adopted by oil firms.

“Upon our emergence as Chief Stewards of our beloved Council, we have been inundated with deluge of complains, petitions and protestations about the ill – treatment being meted to our people by transnational oil and gas companies and their subsidiaries.

“Unfortunately, some of our indigenous oil and gas firms are also enmeshed in this sordid tale. The history of oil and gas production in the Niger Delta, has been replete with gloom. In all the nooks and corners of the region where oil and gas production is taking place.

“In contrast, the experience in saner climes where hydrocarbon activities are carried out, shows that the folks in those communities and regions; are swimming in the ocean of wealth, opulence, self worth and dignity.

“Our experience which has existed for more than five decades; to borrow the words of Late Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti,” na sorrow, blood and tears. As the world gradually moves into post oil era, what is the fate of our region?,” Igbifa queried.

The group noted that the region’s interventionist agencies and other developmental outfits are gasping for breath from NDDC to the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

According to Igbifa, artificial obstacles are kneeing on the necks of the bodies expected to tackle the developmental challenges of the oil-rich Niger Delta region leaving the people excluded from the oil and gas sector.

“Truly ” they can’t breathe”. Some Niger Delta people that had the privilege of superintending over the affairs of these Agencies and Commission left with bloodied noses, subdued personality syndrome and dented integrity.

“Unfortunately, some of our Ijaw sons and daughters that held sway, played to the gallery and forgot the developmental needs of our people. They are presently wallowing in self pity. In all honesty, they never exhibited the true spirit of Ijawness in them,” the IYC leader stated.

He noted that in Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Govt. Area of Delta for instance, Shell embarked on massive retrenchment and downsizing as a tool of oppression not minding the economic effect of their action in this era of global COVID – 19 pandemic.

He said the situation is same in Gbanraun Kingdom in Southern Ijaw Local Govt. Area in Bayelsa, where Agip is in dispute with their host community over refusing to pay compensation for the devastating oil spillage that occurred in the area.

The IYC stated also that in Peretorugbene Community of Ekeremor Local Govt. Area of Bayelsa, Excel Exploration and Production Company, operators of NNPC/ Shell Eremor field (OML 46) has blatantly refused to sign the GMOU with the host community.

He noted that beyond these, there are unmitigated policies; in contravention of the Nigerian Content Act and other legislations governing the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, adding that the youths will no longer tolerate disregard for the laws.

“The regulatory agencies should go beyond a mere ” slap on the wrist” fine to stronger punitive measures that will put an end to the breach of our laws and the rascality being displayed by these companies.

“Our principle of reciprocity would be geared towards ensuring that; it is Oil and Gas Companies operating in our region; and the developmental and interventionist agencies that respect the rights of the people and factor in their developmental needs that would be spared our wrath.

“We will do this bearing in mind that the IYC is not subservient to any entity, power or principality. It is Ijaw nation first.

“In the meantime, we call on all erring oil firms to promptly commence the process of restitution and re-engagement of the youths as the IYC will come knocking at your door and no amount of chicanery will work to save the day.

“The infamous strategy of “Divide And Rule” will not rescue the IOCs from impending ‘Collective Citizens Action’, ” IYC stressed.