Ijaw Youths Set Deadline To FG
Ijaw youths have given the Federal Government 60 days to begin cleaning up oil-polluted communities across the Niger Delta, warning that years of neglect have left their land and water badly damaged.
They blamed crude oil spills and gas activities for the loss of farmlands, fishing routes and livelihoods in Ijaw areas.
The warning came from the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, which said oil and gas facilities in its territories would be shut down if clear action does not start before the deadline expires.
The group accused government agencies of failing to act while pollution continues to threaten the future of affected communities.
The decision was taken at the council’s national convention in Port Harcourt, where leaders agreed to mobilise youths and sensitise local communities ahead of any planned action.
They also called for changes in the leadership of agencies responsible for environmental clean-up, saying their response so far has been poor.
Alongside the ultimatum, the council threw its support behind Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 elections.
The youths said their endorsement was linked to efforts to keep peace in Rivers State, adding that true development cannot happen without justice for polluted communities.
