IYC Laments Rot In NDDC, Amnesty Programme, To Review Stance With IOCs
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The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, lamented the untoward state of affairs in the Niger Delta Development Commision (NDDC), Presidential Amnesty Programme and the Oilfields in the region.
The youth group in a statement signed by its President, Mr Peter Igbifa, vowed that henceforth the youths of the Niger Delta region would approach its relationship with IOCs on the principle of reciprocity.
Igbifa stated that the harsh decisions by oil firms on its workforce leading to job losses were not acceptable to the youths who were at the receiving end of obnoxious labour practices adopted by oil firms.
According to him; “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 nook 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 stated.
According to the Ijaw youth leader, man made hurdles are pressing against the necks of the bodies, NDDC, Presidential Amnesty Programme expected to tackle the development challenges of the oil-rich Niger Delta region making the people excluded from the oil and gas sector.
He said; “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 nose, 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 exihibited the true spirit of Ijawness in them.”
Igbifa noted that there are draconic company policies; in contravention of the Nigerian Content Act and other legislations governing the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry. He added that the youths will no longer accept disregard for the laws of the land.
“The regulatory agencies should go beyond a mere ‘slap on the wrist’, fine to stronger punitive measures that will put to 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 respects the rights of the people and factor in their developmental needs 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 rescue the IOCs from impending ‘Collective Citizens Action’,” IYC stated.
