By Emem Idio, Yenagoa 

Leaders of Ijaw Youth Council,IYC, have expressed their dismay over recent allegations of misuse of office targeting the Special Adviser on Youths to the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,  Mr. Dango Matthew, describing the same as “baseless and irresponsible.”

IYC leaders in a statement on Saturday by the Chairman Central Zone/ Chairman Zones and Chapters Chairmen Forum IYC, Worldwide, Comrade Ineife Perekosufa, and Chairman Abuja Chapter/ Secretary Zones and Chapters Chairmen Forum IYC Worldwide, Comrade Emmanuel Deinma, said the SA on Youth under the supervision of his principal, the MD, NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku have consistently prioritized transparency, accountability, and the genuine inclusion of youth voices in the NDDC’s development agenda. 

The youth leaders noted that the attempt to portray the SA Youth to NDDC as working against the interest of Niger Delta youths is not only distasteful but also a calculated effort to undermine the ongoing youth empowerment initiatives that are yielding visible results in the region.

According to the youth leaders, programmes under the supervision of the SA Youth have followed due process, ensuring inclusivity across states in the region without bias, and called on the public and Niger Delta youths to disregard such unpleasant motivated publications but remain focused on the progress being achieved, while also urging those behind such divisive publications to embrace constructive method of engagement rather than causing chaos.

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a recent publication aimed at tarnishing the image and credibility of the Special Assistant on Youth to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Dango Matthew.

“Ordinarily, We would have ignored such an obnoxious rhetorical statements by few disgruntled fellows, However for the sake of the reading public who may be misled by some misinformation, we wish to categorically refute the misleading informations and unfounded allegations contained therein, which are clearly designed to distract us from the commendable efforts being made to advance youth development in the Niger Delta.

“Firstly, the publication falsely alleges misuse of office and misrepresentation of interests. We find this claim baseless and irresponsible for any leader of the Ijaw Nation/Niger Delta to say so. 

“Secondly, the attempt to portray the SA Youth to NDDC as working against the interest of Niger Delta youths is not only insightful but also a calculated effort to undermine the ongoing youth empowerment initiatives that are yielding visible results in the region.

“From skill acquisition programmes to youth entrepreneurship support, the NDDC, under the focus leadership of the MD and all other officers including the SA on Youth have maintained a clear and measurable commitment to youth upliftment.

“It is also important to state that the publication contains no verifiable evidence, relying instead on hearsay and fabrications aimed at distracting the formidable administrative team of the MD of the NDDC from their official duties.

“We advice all stakeholders who’s dissatisfied with the administrative pattern of this current NDDC Board to present concrete facts as allegations if they possess any, as we remain confident that the record of service under the present MD Chief Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and his team of officers in the NDDC are clean, people-centered, and result-oriented.

“Furthermore, we call on the public and Niger Delta youths to disregard such unpleasant motivated publications and remain focused on the progress being achieved, while also urging those behind such insightful and divisive publications to embrace constructive method of engagement rather than causing chaos amongst us.

“Those peddling falsehoods and calling for the removal of the SA Youth to NDDC should understand that the days of using blackmail and media propaganda to destabilize credible Ijaw leaders from the Niger Delta and the Nation Nigeria are over. Such attempts to undermine the office and its youth-focused programmes will not succeed.

“The MD, NDDC, and his team including the SA Youth will continue to remain committed to advancing the interests of youths in the Niger Delta through transparent, impactful initiatives, and will not be deterred by faceless calls engineered to stall progress. If you have any allegations, we will simply advice you to present verifiable evidence through the appropriate legal and administrative channels, purposefully.

“Let it be known that such continued efforts to defame and distract the MD and his team including the SA Youth might attract necessary legal actions. We will not attempt to sabotage the peace, progress, and unity we are building amongst the Ijaw Nation/Niger Deltans.”