By Peter Jonah
In what he describe as a very cumbersome, tasking yet fruitful year in office. Niger Delta activist, youth advocate and social crusader, Comr Keneware Emmanuel popularly and widely known as the ‘Pentiger’ has congratulate the 9th National Executive Council of the revered Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Worldwide, on their one year in office.
The 9th NEC which is ably led by Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr assume office July 22nd, 2023, after a tightly contested elections held at Gabriel Okara Cultural Center, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In his goodwill message issued to newsmen in Yenagoa, Pentiger laud the strong, visionary, resilience and sagacious posture of the 9th NEC, stating that they have brought Council back to it’s golden days.
He commend them particularly for the ongoing constitutional review process that will give Council beauty and colour, thereby putting a stop to constitutional lacuna and crisis.
Pentiger maintained that, there is no doubt President Lokpobiri meant well for Ijaw Nation. His interest in the East-West Road protest drawing the attention of the Federal Government, the Ministry of Works and the subsequent intervention of the NDDC MD Dr. Samuel Ogbuku is a dramatic display that President Lokpobiri is a visionary leader.
He however, task the 9th NEC to do more by increasing their voice in propagating the Ijaw course .
“They should continue to speak into the created speaking space that will continue to draw the attention of authorities that will better Ijaw Nation”.
“Ijaw Nation development should be Priotize in this second year. People centred actions should be taken to advance the Ijaw course.
The NNPC should be looked into as its formation doesn’t reflect Federal Character but is loopsided”.
“The Ministry of Niger Delta, solely created by President Musa Yardua for Ijaw people as has a result of our agitation, has become a toothless bulldog with zero achievement over the years.
“The aspect of non-Ijaw becoming the head of that ministry is a serious call for concern and needs to be painstakingly looked into.
I urge the 9th NEC under Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, to critical look at the issues raised and swing to action, in an attempt to resolve them”.
Comr Keneware Peremobowei Emmanuel (The Pentiger ✍️)
