By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus has advocated for True Federalism.
Dr. Alaye made the demand during the 26th anniversary of the Kaiama Declaration while addressing the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House Port Harcourt.
In his speech, the President of IYC noted that, it is wrong for the people of the Niger Delta who lays the golden egg to be given little from their God given resources through the 13% derivation formula, hence advocate for a True Federalism in order to address the anomalies and mis-treatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed his disappointment and dissatisfaction towards the Nigeria Government for failing to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta, noting that the oil and gas exploration activities taking place in the Niger Delta, no doubt is what has been sustaining the country but little is given to the people of the region.
The IYC president appealed to the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara to convey the message of Ijaw Youths to Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu the position of Ijaw people.
Speaking further, he noted that Ijaw people has contributed immensely to the growth, development and survival of Nigeria.
“As a people, we understand that our resources has been a contributing factor to the well-being of Nigeria and as a result of oil exploration and exploration in the Niger Delta, our environment has been adversely contaminated and polluted therefore need a complete remediation”
Responding shortly, Governor Siminalayi Fubara noted that, the Kaiama Declaration and the Isaac Boro Day celebration is a national day for Ijaw nationality.
He reiterated that, he has received the message presented to him by the IYC President as a medium to convey to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while appealing to Ijaw Youths to remain peaceful and be law abiding as no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of crisis and violence and urging them to work closely with government in other to achieve the desired result.
Gov. Sim Fubara however, appreciated Dr. Alaye Theophilus and members of Ijaw Youth Council on their 26th anniversary of the Kaiama Declaration.
He stated that the Kaiama Declaration and Isaac Boro Day anniversary marks a significant day in the history of Ijaw people, noting that the Kaiama Declaration and Boro Day is a national day for the Ijaw nationality.
“I feel very happy that you still appreciate the contributions of the late Isaac Adaka Boro on his sacrifices and contributions to Ijaw people”
The governor further commended Dr. Alaye Theophilus for his peaceful disposition while congratulating him and the entire Ijaw Youths on the 26th anniversary of Kaiama Declaration celebration.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the IYC flag to honor Governor Sim Fubara by Dr. Alaye Theophilus as the Grassroot General of Ijaw Nation as a symbol of unity and peace.
