The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has asked the government to remove the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The call was made by the IYC President, Theophilus Alaye, during a press conference on Thursday in Port Harcourt. He spoke at the 57th Adaka Boro Day celebration, which had the theme: “Ijaw Nation Strength: A Pathway for Unity and Solidarity.

Alaye said removing NDDC from the TSA will help the commission carry out more important development projects that directly benefit oil-producing communities.

He also called on the government to increase the yearly budget for the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). He explained that the current amount is too small to meet the needs of ex-agitators who are being trained and reintegrated.

Alaye appealed to President Bola Tinubu to allow more ex-agitators, especially Ijaw youths, to join the PAP. This, he said, will help bring peace to the remaining troubled areas in the Niger Delta.

The IYC also urged President Tinubu to restore democracy in Rivers State. The call comes after the political crisis between Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara led to a state of emergency.

In March, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to manage the state’s affairs due to the ongoing political issues.

Alaye said that the people of Rivers State deserve a legal and democratic government. He believes this will ensure peace and continued development that benefits the people.