The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called for the immediate cancellation of a planned protest by a factional group of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, citing grave concerns over potential violence and a repeat of the deadly clash that occurred in Abuloma.
In a statement issued by the INC’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body expressed deep worry about possible violent confrontations that could endanger the lives of Ijaw youths and undermine regional stability.
Emphasizing unity and peace, the INC urged all parties to abandon the protest and counter-protests, pledging to facilitate dialogue and constructive engagement to address grievances.
The INC also called on security agencies to take proactive measures to maintain peace in the area.
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It reads in full;
It has come to the knowledge of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw nation, that some persons claiming to be under a factional leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) are planning a protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State against the NDDC on Thursday, the 14th of November, 2024.
We have also received credible intelligence concerning ongoing preparations by some other youth groups to violently stop the above-mentioned proposed protest, scheduled to be held on the 14th of November 2024.
The INC is particularly concerned because of the recent IYC episode in Abuloma Rivers State, which led to the senseless maiming and killing of some Ijaw Youths.
There is no doubt that if this protest is not put off, it may amount to a repeat of the Abuloma incident.
The leadership of the INC will not fold its hands and watch while our youths continue to kill themselves under any guise, as the strength of any nation is the unity of its Youths.
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The INC’s position on the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is unambiguous. The president of the 9th exco of the Ijaw Youth Council is Jonathan Lokpobiri (Snr), who was duly elected by the Congress of the Ijaw Youth Council and sworn in on the 23rd of July, 2023.
The INC recently constituted two committees to look into all misunderstandings in the IYC, and until a contrary position is received from these committees, the position of the INC remains.
While we recognise the fundamental human rights of individuals and groups to peaceful assembly and protest, the INC, in very strong terms, condemns the proposed protest because of the obvious negative implications.
We therefore call on all intending and counter-protesters to put off their planned actions in the interest of the Ijaw nation while we commit ourselves to providing a platform for dialogue and constructive engagement
The INC also uses this medium to call on all security agencies to do the needful to avert any action that shall undermine the relative peace that is being enjoyed in the region.
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