Ijaw youth: Niger Delta will back presidential candidate that supports true federalism

• Published date: 10 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has said Niger Delta people will only support a presidential candidate with the sincerity of purpose for true federalism.

Spokesman Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe made this known yesterday in an interview in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

He said the council has taken a look at the transitional journey of the nation towards this year's presidential election and reaffirmed the call on the people of the region to back a presidential candidate that supports true federalism, justice and equity for all regions.

Ekerefe said: 'We particularly call for peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general election and we are ready to work with the security agencies to thwart any plan by anti-democratic agents, non-state actors, proxies or hired hands of any candidate plotting to disrupt peace in the region.

'The IYC, in line with its tenets, will continue to promote constructive agitations to attract the attention of the authorities at the state governments, the Federal Government and the multinational oil companies towards the development of our region.

'Our quests are particularly in the areas of job creation for the teeming unemployed youths and addressing the effects of climate change, which is causing serious devastation to our environment as well as impeding our livelihoods.

'We frown at the Federal Government lackadaisical attitude towards addressing the effects of the devastating flood in...