The Speaker of the 5th Mobile Parliament of the Ijaw Youth Council, Rt. Hon. Bob Collins Igetei has recounted the achievements of the legislative arm as part of his one year in office commemoration.
In an official statement signed by himself, the Speaker also highlighted major challenges faced by the parliament under his watch.
The youth leader further recommended solutions to lingering issues for Ijaws and the entire Niger Delta.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The statement titled ‘The Journey of my one year anniversary as the Speaker of IYC 5TH Mobile Parliament worldwide,’ read;
“The 5th mobile Parliament is a year older today and I have served a year as the speaker of IYC Mobile Parliament meritoriously. One hopes that in addition to the many perspectives on the performance as the speaker, and members would on their own undertake a vigorous introspection to map out their future posture and oversight that may further strengthen their legislative functions which has earned us the commendation(s) as one of the best performing parliament.
“One year in office, I want to thank my Principal officers, zonal coordinating team and members of the Parliament for your resilient, cooperation, meekness and the spirit of togetherness in achieving the height we have raised the parliament to.
“To members and house committee heads, you have done noble and I expect you to put in more efforts to strengthen and rebrand your committee for your oversight functions and report back to the floor of the sacred floor
“To all zonal and chapter structures, your contributions and cordial working relationships makes the parliament stronger ,and I anticipate we grow Ijaw nation stronger in this light on strengthening our weakness for a better Ijaw nation as the last hope of Nigeria.
“To the national executive Council (NEC) headed by Deacon Peter Timothy Igbifa, the strength we build together can only strengthen us, the errors of our past can be corrected because the world is watching us,therefore,we should be stronger as a team to build strength.
“Leaders and Ogbos of IYC, The advice you have rendered so far is keeping the council going. We are always available for advice to move Ijaw nation forward
Our Achievements
“We were able to have consecutive sitting as at when due(4) the one oat Bonny island which awakens Ijaw consciousness in that region, ended the incessant kidnapping and sea piracy, it produced the IYC budget which was presented to the parliament for the first time, the one of Ogulagha kingdom( Obotobo 1 ) which national officers were invited and to defend the budget and approval of the budget
“The Imiringi sitting which had in attendance, some national officers , for questioning, made the national executive council( NEC) came alive, and they called for, executive and an expanded excos meetings and a constitutional convention.
“And finally, the Yenagoa( Ijaw Wari ) sitting propelled a constitutional national conventional.
“We had some recommendations for Ijaw sons and daughters for Jobs and scholarships which was approved and we thank God for the success achieved so far.
Limitations:
“We have financial limitations as Parliament because we do not have where to source for resources to aid and finance our activities.
“We had plans of training Parliamentarians on legislative functions and leadership but couldn’t afford it after drawing the plans and proposal. We were approved to witness the National Assembly plenary but couldn’t afford the logistics to/from National Assembly
“We had human limitations; dealing with over 150 persons from different backgrounds was not easy but the grace has always been the pilot of our way forwards.
Our fallen Brothers:
“We lost two of our prominent sons during this one year in office, Gen. Affati Brown from Opobo clan, Eastern zone and Comr. Ebizi from Gbaraun clan, Central zone, may their souls rest in perfect peace and may God give their family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.
“Lastly, at the roundup of our one year in office, we had a devastating flood that affects mostly Ijaw nation that displaced her people,I sympathize with the affected families. I’m equally using this medium to call on federal government, state government, multinationals, IOCs and individual donors to come to the aids of Ijaws especially Bayelsa state.
“We plead for more supports from all state governors and stakeholders of Ijaw land for assistance in anywhere necessary. Thanks, yours in service.”
