By Omeiza Ajayi

ABUJA: The Ijaw Youth Council IYC Worldwide has demanded an upward review of the 13 percent derivation formula, saying in the light of global trends, it was wrong to give such a meagre percentage to oil producing states.

The IYC consequently called for true federalism to address what it described as anomalies and mistreatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.

According to a statement form the IYC, its president, Dr Theophilus Alaye stated this while addressing the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara at the Government House in Port-Harcourt, during the 26th Anniversary of the Kaiama Declaration

He noted; “It is wrong for the people of the Niger Delta who lay the golden egg to be given little from their God-given resources through the 13 percent derivation formula. We call for a true federalism in order to address the anomalies and mis-treatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.”

Alaye noted that the oil and gas exploration activities taking place in the Niger Delta was what has been sustaining the country, however, little is given to the people of the region.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government for failing to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta.

The IYC president, therefore, appealed to Governor Fubara to convey the message of Ijaw Youths to President Bola Tinubu, saying Ijaw people have contributed immensely to the growth, development and survival of Nigeria.

Alaye added: “As a people, we understand that our resources have been a contributory factor to the well-being of Nigeria and as a result of oil exploration and exploitation in the Niger Delta, our environment has been adversely contaminated and polluted therefore needing a complete remediation.”

Responding, Gov. Fubara noted that the Kaiama Declaration and the Isaac Boro Day celebration is a national day for the Ijaw nationality, noting that the anniversary marks a significant day in history.

He appealed to Ijaw youths to remain peaceful and law-abiding, saying no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of crisis and violence.

The governor urged them to work closely with the government in order to achieve the desired results.

“I feel very happy that you still appreciate the contributions of the late Isaac Adaka Boro, his sacrifices and contributions to the Ijaw people,” he said.