By Daniel Abia

The factional President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Alaye Theophilus, explained that the decision to halt a planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was due to the timely intervention of prominent regional leaders.

The protest, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, was intended to express dissatisfaction with the NDDC’s management, which the group criticized for selective and unsatisfactory activities.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Theophilus stated, “The decision to call off the protest followed interventions from Pa Edwin Clark, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Alhaji Asari Mujahid Dokubo, HRM King Ateke Michael Tom, Amanyanabo of the ancient Okocjhiri Kingdom, the leadership of the INC, and other respected leaders and stakeholders. They advised us not to escalate tensions in the region given recent violence in Abuloma and the currently tense political climate in the state.” He emphasized the importance of preventing political opportunists from using the protest to incite a crisis.

Theophilus acknowledged the collective struggle for Niger Delta development, noting, “We cannot ignore the concerns of our elders to preserve the peace in the region.”

He assured the public that the IYC, under his leadership, would continue to monitor the NDDC’s actions closely and urged the Commission to prioritize sustainable capital projects, collaborate with Niger Delta governors, and create employment and empowerment opportunities that reach all corners of the region through impactful projects.

Theophilus also warned, “As a pressure group advocating for justice, equity, and accountability for the Ijaw nation, we will have no choice but to mobilize against the NDDC management if these shortcomings are not addressed promptly.”