Why We Suspended Protest Over NDDC Board – Ijaw Youths

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has revealed its reason for suspending the protest to kick against the absence of a governing board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

In a statement on Thursday signed by IYC Deputy President and spokesman, Saviour Olali, and Ebilade Ekerefe, the council said the protest was suspended following consultations with critical stakeholders.

The statement added that the NDDC offices locked in Bayelsa and Rivers states will be reopened to allow robust dialogue.

It read: “After a thorough examination of the progress made so far and in due consultation with critical stakeholders across the entire Ijaw nation and especially with the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Council hereby directs the suspension of the three-day long protest with effect from 5pm today, Friday 28th May, 2021.

“The leadership of Council at the Zonal chapters and Clan levels are hereby informed to act accordingly and await further directives on the way forward.”

Naija News had reported that the youths began a three-day protest following the expiration of the one-month ultimatum which they had given to the federal government to constitute a governing board for the NDDC.

They had accused the Buhari administration of undue interference in failing to constitute the board and appointing an interim committee to oversee the affairs of the commission, pending the conclusion of the agency’s audit.