....As The NSA Has Failed the President and the Region

"We Are Here to Discuss the Way Forward”
The President of the Ijaw Youth Congress declared that the gathering was convened to address the future of the Niger Delta and the growing concerns affecting the region. Speaking as a representative of the people and a stakeholder in the Niger Delta struggle, he said there are many disturbing developments that can no longer be ignored. He also acknowledged his Ezekri brothers present at the meeting while stressing the need for honesty and unity in confronting the issues facing the region.

“We Supported Tinubu Because We Believed He Understood the Niger Delta”
According to the IYC President, many Niger Delta youths strongly supported President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because of his connection to the region through his wife, who hails from the Ezekri axis. He explained that many believed the President would better understand the pains, aspirations, and struggles of the Niger Delta people because of that family connection.

However, he lamented that recent developments and what he described as deliberate delay tactics by the President have left many feeling betrayed and insulted. He stated that the actions of the administration suggest that the Niger Delta is no longer valued or respected by the federal government.

“Ignore the Majority at Your Own Political Risk”
The IYC President warned that the federal government must choose between listening to the majority voice of the Niger Delta people or siding with a few individuals for political convenience. He stressed that ignoring the majority opinion in the region could come with serious political consequences, particularly regarding future elections and support from the Niger Delta.

“The Grassroots Are Crying for Decentralization”
Speaking passionately about conditions in the region, he said the demand from grassroots communities has remained consistent — decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts and greater local participation.

He condemned a situation where contractors allegedly interfere in traditional institutions and youth leadership structures simply because of pipeline contracts. According to him, contractors are now influencing who becomes community chiefs and youth presidents, a development he described as unacceptable and dangerous.

“Petitions Have Been Ignored While Tension Continues to Rise”
The IYC leader revealed that several petitions had already been submitted to the Office of the National Security Adviser, detailing concerns and proposing solutions to the crisis in the Niger Delta.

He accused authorities of using intimidation, killings, and threats under the guise of restoring peace, insisting that this was never the objective of the Niger Delta struggle for resource control and first right of refusal.

“Tinubu Has Undermined the Niger Delta”
In a strongly worded statement, the IYC President accused President Tinubu of undermining the Niger Delta people and failing to prioritize their interests. He also criticized the National Security Adviser for allegedly failing to provide the President with honest and balanced advice.

He said the region would not remain silent while decisions affecting millions are allegedly being influenced by a small group of political actors. He warned that after the stakeholders’ meeting, leaders and youths across various communities and clans would return home to mobilize and educate the people about what he described as the President’s lack of commitment to the Niger Delta.

“Delay Tactics Could Trigger Crisis in the Region”
The youth leader cautioned that continued delays and political maneuvering over pipeline contracts could plunge the Niger Delta into serious conflict. He warned that such instability would ultimately hurt the people of the region the most and deepen tensions already brewing at the grassroots level.

“Political Jobbers Cannot Decide the Fate of Our Resources”
The IYC President condemned what he described as the growing influence of political jobbers who, according to him, neither understand the pains of the people nor represent the true interests of the Niger Delta.

He maintained that Niger Delta communities deserve a greater say in managing their resources and wealth. He also reiterated calls for increased oil revenue so that host communities can benefit more from the three percent allocation tied to oil production.

“We Have Been Preaching Peace Against Vandalism”
He explained that genuine youth leaders and community stakeholders have consistently traveled across communities preaching peace, discouraging pipeline vandalism, and encouraging young people to avoid criminal activities.

Despite these efforts, he alleged that politicians who rarely visit their communities are the same individuals influencing federal decisions concerning the region.

“Some Presidential Advisers Have Compromised”
The IYC President expressed disappointment that President Tinubu appears to be listening to advisers who, in his words, “do not have him at heart.” He further alleged that some members of the President’s advisory circle have compromised due to financial interests connected to pipeline contracts and dollar transactions involving contractors.

“We Supported Tinubu Because of His Wife — But That Support Can Be Withdrawn”
The youth leader reiterated that widespread support for President Tinubu in parts of the Niger Delta was largely influenced by his marriage to a daughter of the region.

However, he warned that many now feel abandoned because the cries of the Niger Delta people have allegedly been ignored. He stated that if the President continues on the current path, many supporters in the region may reconsider their political loyalty ahead of future elections.

“The Niger Delta Will Support Leaders Who Protect Its Interests in Twenty Twenty-Seven”
Looking ahead to the next general election cycle, the IYC President declared that the Niger Delta would support only leaders who genuinely prioritize the interests of the region.

He insisted that decentralization of pipeline contracts remains the first major test of President Tinubu’s commitment to the Niger Delta people.

“The NSA Has Failed the President and the Region”
In another direct criticism, the IYC President accused the National Security Adviser of failing to provide the President with the right counsel. He alleged that the continued rollover of pipeline contracts without decentralization reflects compromise at the highest levels.

He further warned that such actions risk pushing the Niger Delta toward a full-blown crisis, adding that responsible youth leaders and opinion leaders would resist any attempt to destabilize the region.

“Decentralization Is the Litmus Test”
Concluding his address, the IYC President sent a direct message to President Tinubu, insisting that decentralization of pipeline surveillance operations would be the clearest sign that the administration truly values the Niger Delta people.

He stated that once meaningful decentralization is implemented, the people of the region would know that the President is genuinely interested in their welfare, support, and votes. He ended by thanking the audience and praying for God’s blessings upon the people of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.