The newly elected President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Worldwide, Comrade
Timothy Peter Igbifa says the long marginalisation of Ijaw people in Edo State will no longer be tolerated.
Advertisement
The President who was in a thank you tour to the Ijaws in the state after his election, expressed anger that inspite the population and being oil producing areas, the Ijaws are yet being marginalised and treated as strangers in the state they co-owned.
He noted that even before his election, what he told everyone during his electioneering was that his major cause will be the liberation of the Ijaws in Edo and Ondo states.
IYC leaders seated with the 8th President (4th left) at the thank-you meeting.
Stating that the Ijaw people are one worldwide, the 8th IYC President noted that ill-treatment to one Ijaw man is an ill-treatment to all, and will be fought by all Ijaws worldwide.
He said, ” I am particularly passionate about the Ijaws in Edo and Ondo states axis particularly the Edo Ijaws and how they are being marginalised and ill-treated. Marginalisation of the Ijaws in Edo State will soon come to an end. We cannot be producing the crude oil and still be backward.
” The Council will stand by Ijaws ìn Edo State, and every form of oppression would not be tolerated. The battle for your liberation will not be exchanged for any coin. The attitude of Edo State Government towards Ijaws in the state has to change. In hunger, in plenty, we will not be moved until will make change.
“We will walk with Edo State Ijaw that never will marginalisation be allowed. An ill-treatment to one Ijaw man in anywhere is an ill-treatment to the entire Ijaw nation, we will not tolerate that.”
Advertisement
Speaking on the abandoned East-West road which has become dead trap to commuters, the 8th IYC President said the Council will soon issue a statement with ultimatum to rehabilitate the road, adding that failure to meet the ultimatum will lead to shut down.
While noting that Niger Delta resources are used in constructing flyover bridges and other good roads in Abuja and other states outside the region, the number one Ijaw youth noted that the entire Niger Delta can no afford to be having enough at disposal yet live in scarcity.
Advertisement
” The first thing I said when I emerged winner at the election was that the deplorable condition of the East-West road would be addressed. You cannot be taking much from us and leave us in hunger and scarcity, that will not be allowed! We are going to make sure East-West road is rehabilitated.
” If you have lost trust in the Council, please this is the time to regain trust in the Council. It is no longer business as usual. I want to assure you that the Council is back at its feet! On Kiama declaration I stand.
Members from the 5 clans in Edo State seated at the meeting
“I will very soon issue a statement with ultimatum for the rehabilitation of the East-West road, and it shall be followed up. And after the ultimatum and nothing is done, the authorities will see the other side of us,”he said.
Earlier, welcoming the 8th IYC President to Edo State, Chief Don Ben, an IYC leader expressed confidence in the President, just he said the number one youth will fight the cause of the Ijaws in Edo State and take them to their promise land.
Describing Igbifa as a dogged, resilience and bold fighter, Ben said electing Igbifa to lead the entire Ijaw youths was never a mistake, adding that result will soon be seen by all.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.
Advertisement
The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.
“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.
READ ALSO:
Advertisement
Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.
In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”
Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,”he added.
Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.
In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.
Advertisement
“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!
“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.
The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.
“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
Advertisement
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,”he added.
Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.
Advertisement
“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.
“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,”he said.