The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, has warned two groups not to go ahead with their planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). These groups are the Coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society Organizations (CNDCSOs) and the Niger Delta Ex-agitators’ Forum.

According to the IYC, the protest is based on false claims. They believe the NDDC, under its current leadership, is doing good work and making progress. While the region has faced many problems in the past, the IYC says a protest is not the solution right now.

Ginah Ikio, who speaks for the IYC Central Zone, said the accusations of corruption and poor management made by the CNDCSOs are not true. He stated that Chief Samuel Ogbuku, who leads the NDDC, is doing a fair and transparent job. The NDDC is making sure all nine states in the region benefit from its projects and job opportunities.

Ikio added that Ogbuku’s leadership is very important for keeping peace and supporting development in the Niger Delta. He praised the focus on building roads and schools, improving education, and helping the economy grow in a way that supports local communities.

The IYC Central Zone says it fully supports Chief Ogbuku. They asked the protesting groups to stop spreading division and instead work together to help the region grow stronger.

They also encouraged everyone in the Niger Delta to support the NDDC. The IYC warned against using emotional or political tricks to create problems. They believe working together through honest conversation will bring better results than fake protests, which could cause more tension between communities and the federal government.

The IYC asked President Bola Tinubu to ignore the false claims made by these groups. They want him to continue supporting Chief Ogbuku and his team for the progress they are bringing.

Finally, the IYC said they believe the NDDC can keep bringing positive change to the Niger Delta if it continues to get support from the government.