A wave of uncertainty has gripped Rivers State as the Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) issues a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, warning of a total shutdown of oil production if their demands are not met. The youth group, in an open letter signed by its president, Bene Youkore Mamamu, outlined grievances that center around the political turmoil in Rivers State, the alleged marginalization of the Ijaw people, and the controversial role of former Governor Nyesom Wike in the crisis.
The NDYC is demanding the immediate restoration of Rivers State’s statutory revenue allocation, an end to what they describe as a relentless impeachment plot against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and a public retraction of anti-Ijaw remarks allegedly made by Wike. The group insists that failure to meet these demands will have devastating consequences for Nigeria’s already struggling economy, as they are prepared to halt oil production across the entire Niger Delta region.
The open letter, made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State, expresses deep frustration over what the NDYC perceives as a deliberate attempt to undermine the Ijaw people, who they describe as the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria. The group accused the Tinubu administration of empowering Wike and the judiciary to destabilize the region, erode Ijaw influence, and orchestrate political instability through repeated threats to impeach Governor Fubara and seize state resources.
In a strongly worded statement, the NDYC declared that it would “shock the world” if decisive action was not taken within the stipulated seven-day period. The group warned that the Niger Delta, which supplies the bulk of Nigeria’s crude oil, would not stand by while its people were politically sidelined and economically weakened.
“We will not allow Wike, who is suspected of being used by the presidency, to sabotage our region and undermine Ijaw history. The oil that fuels this nation flows from our land, and we refuse to be treated as second-class citizens,” the statement read.
The NDYC further accused the government of disrespecting the legacy of the late elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark, and attempting to rewrite the history of the Ijaw people. They alleged that Wike’s reported statement referring to the Ijaw as a “minority of minorities” was not only provocative but amounted to a declaration of political and economic war against the people of the Niger Delta.
As the ultimatum deadline approaches, tension is rising across the region. Industry experts warn that any disruption to oil production in the Niger Delta could have far-reaching consequences, affecting government revenue, foreign exchange earnings, and energy security. Given that Nigeria relies heavily on oil exports for economic stability, a complete shutdown of production would put further pressure on an economy already grappling with inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and fiscal deficits.
Political analysts believe that the crisis in Rivers State is part of a larger struggle for power and influence, with Wike’s continued role in the state’s affairs drawing sharp criticism. As the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike remains a formidable political force, but his involvement in Rivers politics has fueled suspicions that he is working to maintain control over the state’s affairs despite no longer being governor.
The NDYC has called on its members to mobilize and prepare for action if their demands are ignored, raising concerns over potential unrest and disruption. Security agencies are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, as past oil-related protests in the Niger Delta have led to widespread economic losses and security challenges.
With just days left before the expiration of the ultimatum, all eyes are on President Tinubu’s administration to see how it will respond to the growing crisis. Will the government engage in dialogue to prevent economic sabotage, or will tensions escalate into full-blown unrest?
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