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Tag: IYC

  • IYC faults Reps’ 72-hour ultimatum to PAP coordinator Otuaro

    IYC faults Reps’ 72-hour ultimatum to PAP coordinator Otuaro

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has criticised the recent decision of the House of Representatives to issue a 72-hour ultimatum to the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, warning that such an approach could undermine peace efforts in the Niger Delta.

    The ultimatum, which threatens an arrest warrant should Otuaro fail to appear before the Public Accounts Committee, has drawn strong concern from the Council.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by its national spokesman, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, the IYC said that while it recognises the role of legislative oversight, the timing and tone of the directive amount to an unnecessary distraction capable of derailing ongoing peace-building and development initiatives in the region.

    Princewill noted that since assuming office as PAP Administrator, Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated strong commitment through consistent stakeholder engagement, prompt payment of stipends to beneficiaries, and expanded opportunities in scholarship and vocational training.

    He emphasised that the PAP is crucial for maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, and to threaten Otuaro with arrest for addressing procedural inquiries undermines the progress made.

    Furthermore, Princewill urged the House of Representatives to reconsider its priorities in the llight of widespread security issues, inflation, and economic hardship facing the nation.

    He said the Council believed that parliamentary efforts should be focused on addressing these pressing challenges rather than targeting a single public official. 

    He advocated for a redirect of resources to enhance security measures and provide economic relief to the populace, aligning with the responsibilities of elected representatives.

    The spokesman said, “Our people are dying from banditry, kidnapping and economic distress. The National Assembly’s attention would be better served by working with the President of Nigeria in addressing these pressing issues instead of issuing arrest warrants that could be perceived as politically motivated.

    “The Council also highlighted that the alleged financial discrepancies cited in the Auditor‑General’s report are being examined through the appropriate channels and that the PAP Administrator has already pledged full cooperation with the audit process as government is a continuous process. 

    “Any attempt to criminalise the programme’s leadership without due process risks eroding public trust and could reignite tensions in the region.”

    The IYC spokesman, therefore, called on the House of Representatives to rescind the 72‑hour ultimatum and withdraw the threat of an arrest warrant against Dr. Dennis Otuaro, engage constructively with the PAP leadership to resolve audit queries in a transparent and lawful manner.

    He equally urged them to prioritise legislative action that addresses the nation’s security challenges and economic hardships.

    “The IYC remains committed to advocating for the rights and development of the Ijaw people and the entire Niger Delta. We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that peace, justice and prosperity prevail across Nigeria,” Amb. Princewill stated.

  • IYC worried over terrorists, bandits’ incursions into Niger Delta

    IYC worried over terrorists, bandits’ incursions into Niger Delta

    • …seeks urgent implementation of state police

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of terrorists and bandits incursions into the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.

    The IYC, therefore, called for urgent reforms in security measures and emphasised the necessity of local governance and accountability in addressing the pressing security challenges within Nigeria. 

    The group in a statement on Monday by its national spokesman, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, expressed solidarity with Nigerians and the people of the Niger Delta facing insecurity and terror from terrorists, bandits and jihadists.

    Princewill highlighted a significant rise in violence, kidnappings, and killings, resulting in humanitarian crises, displacement of families, and disruption of economic activities.

    He condemned the relevant authorities’ lack of decisive action, emphasizing that reliance on rhetoric instead of action had increased vulnerability to attacks.

    The spokesman insisted that the authorities must take concrete steps to protect lives and property, stating that many Nigerians are exhausted by the current state of insecurity.

    Princewill demanded the urgent implementation of State Police as a vital solution to the security issues, noting that the initiative would allow for community-based security measures and enable better understanding of local threats.

    The IYC spokesman stated, “We call upon all state governors in Nigeria, particularly those from the Niger Delta region, to rise to the challenge of protecting their people. 

    “As leaders entrusted with the responsibility of governing their states, they must be more proactive in ensuring the security and well-being of their citizens. 

    “The IYC Worldwide expects more from our leaders, and it is time they prioritized the security and welfare of our people over political considerations.

    “The lack of action from some of our leaders has been quite telling. We urge them to put the interests of their people above personal interests and take bold steps to address the security challenges facing our communities. Our people are dying, and it is time for our leaders to act.

    “We demand that the federal government and state governments take concrete steps to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to social amenities, which have contributed to the rise of violent groups and criminal activities. Our people deserve to live in peace and prosperity, and it is the responsibility of our leaders to ensure that this is achieved.”

    He averred that the group would not be silenced or intimidated by those who are more interested in maintaining the status quo than in protecting the people. 

    “We will continue to advocate for the rights and interests of our people, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that our voices are heard,” Princewill added.

  • IYC condemns calls for NCDMB’s boss removal 

    IYC condemns calls for NCDMB’s boss removal 

    The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has berated some stakeholders calling for the removal of the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Ogbe.

    The Ijaw youths warned the  aggrieved  stakeholders to desist from the habit of demarketing leaders from the Niger Delta occupying strategic positions in the country.

    IYC spokesman, Bedford Berefa, condemned the culture of pull-down syndrome among selfish individuals in the region saying it was breeding  disunity and underdevelopment in the Niger Delta. 

    Berefa said: “We must change our strategy, we cannot continue to fight ourselves, ethnic bigotry cannot help us, it is when we come together that we can achieve our purpose”.

    According to him Ogbe as the Executive Director of the NCDMB is carrying out the mandate of the board providing needed training to build local capacity particularly for young people.

    “Under the leadership of Felix Ogbe, the need for local content has increased. He has trained over 100 youths, let us allow him to focus and continue his good work,” he said.

    Berefa commended Ogbe for his service in the NCDMB and urged him to shun all forms of distractions and continue in his commitment and dedication to ensuring the development of local content in the oil and gas industry.

    Read Also: Lokpobiri family, Ekeremor youths back NCDMB boss, demand IYC President’s resignation

    He appealed to the youths in the Niger Delta to judiciously utilize the opportunities created by Ogbe to get requisite trainings required to secure employments in the oil and gas sector.

    He said: “Our youths should never sell scholarship slots or opportunities for training and workshops. They  should learn so that they can train others, let us focus on self development so that tomorrow we can occupy strategic positions in the country”.

    Berefa urged all stakeholders to support Ogbe and all other leaders in the  Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) as well as other Ijaw leaders for the advancement of the region.

  • Unpatriotic elements’ meddling in Warri delineation,’ IYC alleges

    Unpatriotic elements’ meddling in Warri delineation,’ IYC alleges

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has raised alarm over perceived interference by individuals within the Presidency in the implementation of the ward delineation report in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    In a statement signed by the zone’s leadership and made available to reporters on Monday, the IYC accused “unpatriotic elements” in the presidency of attempting to derail INEC’s efforts aimed at correcting longstanding political imbalances in the constituency.

    Signed by Comrade Nicholas Igarama (Chairman), Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo (Secretary), and Comrade Tare Magbei (Information Officer), the IYC warned it would not tolerate “any form of oppression” and would vehemently resist moves to undermine the rights of the Ijaw people.

    According to the group, these individuals are pushing INEC to alter its proposed recommendations in favour of the Itsekiri ethnic group, thereby frustrating justice and marginalizing other ethnic nationalities, particularly the Ijaws.

    “We have it on good authority that INEC is under severe pressure to abandon its proposed recommendations to allow the Itsekiris to continually lay claim to a majority status that only exists in their minds and not in reality,” the statement read.

    Read Also: IYC: ignore calls to stop Tantita’s contract

    The IYC warned that any attempt to alter the INEC report could lead to unrest in the region, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately rein in any of his cabinet members involved in the alleged interference.

    “Council, therefore, uses this medium to draw the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the plots by persons in his cabinet, if allowed to manifest, could lead to a breakdown of law and order in Warri and environs,” the group cautioned.

    Reaffirming its support for the delineation report as proposed by INEC, the IYC insisted that the report must be implemented in full before the commencement of the continuous voter registration exercise.

    “The IYC Western Zone also calls on President Tinubu to urgently swing into action by prevailing on INEC to respect the rule of law and implement the ward delineation report,” the group stated.

  • IYC reaffirms commitment to unity, development

    IYC reaffirms commitment to unity, development

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has reaffirmed commitment to the unity and development of the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

    The IYC made this commitment during a briefing on Monday in Warri, Delta State, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Dr. Dennis Otuaro’s leadership at the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) and the sterling groundbreaking records of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

    In a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, after the conference, the national spokesman for the IYC, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, said in the face of baseless accusations and malicious attempts to tarnish the reputations of their esteemed leaders, they stood united and resolute. 

    Read Also: IYC, others urge Fed Govt to reverse emergency rule in Rivers

    Princewill said the IYC would not be swayed by the petty machinations of those who seek to divide them.

    The spokesman stated: “Our leaders, Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman of TSSNL, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of PAP, Engr. Mathew Tonlagha, Vice Chairman of TSSNL and Engr. Kestin Pondi, MD of TSSNL, have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the Ijaw cause, the Niger Delta struggle for liberation, and the sustainability of peace in the Nigerian state.

    “Their tireless efforts have propelled our nation forward, paving the way for a brighter future.”

    He said it was evident that since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu engaged the services of Tantita Security Services, the best private security firm in Nigeria and beyond, illegal oil theft was gradually becoming a thing of the past. 

    Princewill said from the records of Tantita, the company met a dwindling oil revenue and had surpassed 2 million oil barrels per day as of February 2025, noting that the achievement was made possible through collaboration with NNPCL and Nigerian security agencies.

  • IYC laments alleged neglect of Ijaw areas in Delta 

    IYC laments alleged neglect of Ijaw areas in Delta 

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has lamented alleged deliberate neglect and underdevelopment of Ijaw areas in Delta State by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led government.

    Spokesman for the IYC, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, raised the alarm in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, following a news conference yesterday on the state of Ijaw areas in Burutu, Delta State.

    The spokesman said despite the Ijaw political and economic contributions to the state and the emergence of Oborevwori, the Ijaws are yet to see any concrete project that could be considered a landmark achievement for the Ijaw people in Delta.

    Princewill claimed: “We are beginning to perceive Oborevwori as a Governor who lacks developmental plans or agenda for the Ijaws. 

    “His projects have been viewed as highly sentimental and against all known principles of fairness, justice, and equity. They appear to be twisted and skewed against the Ijaws of Delta State. The Ijaws cannot continue to be disproportionately burdened while others benefit from our contributions.

    “The IYC is stating clearly that we cannot continue to be micromanaged by the state government. There is a need to balance his administration, ensuring that all ethnic groups in Delta have a sense of belonging. Delta State belongs to all of us, and the Ijaw ethnic group is a serious stakeholder in the state. 

    “We must be given reasonable attention in terms of development, youth empowerment, and other areas to atone for our contributions toward the emergence of Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State, considering our political and economic contributions. 

    “As a council, we have keenly followed the 2024 and 2025 budgets of the Delta State government under Oborevwori’s watch. Apart from the lack of full implementation of the 2024 budget, there is no adequate provision for the Ijaw people. Instead, we see a repetition of projects that could have been addressed in the previous budget.

    “We are using this press conference to call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently pay serious attention to the Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu, the only state-owned tertiary institution in Delta Ijaw land. The Polytechnic was established by an Act of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2006 and began functioning in 2011.

    “However, from 2011 till date, there is no structure that the Delta State Government has been able to complete at the permanent site. 

    “Snakes, reptiles, overgrown weeds, and all forms of dangerous creatures now inhabit the vast expanse of land donated to the school. This is worrisome, especially considering that within months of the establishment of the Southern Delta University at Orerokpe, gigantic structures are now visible everywhere. We need the same energy to be transferred to the long-standing Delta State Maritime Polytechnic, Burutu.”

    The spokesman also called on the Delta State Government to send an executive Bill to the Delta Assembly for the Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development, to be permanently backed by law, like the Warri, Uvwie, and environs Special Area Development Agency and the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency. 

    He also urged the Governor to urgently correct the political anomaly in Warri North Local Government Area, asserting that only Itsekiris were given the two commissioner slots, whereas it is a local government purely dominated by the Ijaws of Egbema and the Itsekiris.

    Read Also: Tompolo, ex-IYC president hail Tinubu for signing Maritime University Act

    Princewill alleged that a significant number of Ijaw youths who toiled and worked for the emergence of Oborevwori as Governor are yet to be appointed to serve in any capacity, perhaps their crime is that they are from Ijaw, hence they should not benefit. 

    He lamented: “This is appalling, especially when their counterparts from other ethnic stocks, who did not do more than they did during the elections, are thriving in his government. The Ijaw youths have been so neglected.”

    The statement warned that if within one month, the state government failed to initiate action to address the perceived injustices in Delta, they would demonstrate their discontent through a vote of no confidence and potential protests to serve as a warning to government officials about the growing frustrations within the Ijaw areas.

  • Shelve planned protests against NDDC, stakeholders tell factional IYC, others 

    Shelve planned protests against NDDC, stakeholders tell factional IYC, others 

    Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) have called on the Theophilus Elaye-led Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) and some society organisations to halt their planned protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The stakeholders described as unfortunate and unwarranted the reasons given by the aggrieved persons for the protest 

    The factional leadership of the IYC  had issued a notice of protest to President Bola Tinubu against the NDDC and its leadership over alleged administrative lapses and legal breaches, citing the appointment of Chiedu Ebie as chairman of the commission.

    The notice by one Jesse Birinumughan said to be the leader of the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum, one Jackson Agbor who claimed to be chairman of the Ijaw Youth Leaders of Thoughts (IYLT) and other unnamed ex-militant leader.

    But MOSIEND in a statement  by its National Secretary, Winston Cotterel Amain, in Port Harcourt, cautioned those behind the notice to desist in their plot to run down Niger Delta leaders.

    Amain said there was no justification for the action taken by the said groups, who were using the names of organizations, which he said did not belong to them to run down the NDDC and its leadership.

    He said: “Yes, you may want to look at it from the angle that they needed an audience and they have not been talked to, but don’t also forget that there are other critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta, who have been playing key roles in the development of the region, who have also not been given an audience, and they did not resort to blackmail or protest.

    “There are countless people, who have not been seen, who have not been talked to, but they will never do this rubbish to seek attention.

    “Many stakeholders are quick to rubbish Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and the leadership of the NDDC the moment they call Ogbuku to give them appointments and contracts and the man does not respond to them.”

    Amain said in the eyes of MOSIEND and other leaders and stakeholders of Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta, the acts of the groups were  nothing but a smear campaign of calumny.

    He described their stance as unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations designed to run down the hard earned reputation of Ogbuku and Ebie down  just like they did to other eminent sons and daughters of the region.

    He said:  “The appointment of Chiedu Ebie is in perfect consonance with the NDDC Act; the act stated it succinctly clear that the Chairman can be appointed from an oil producing area which qualifies him.

    “Recall that there have been successive chairmen who were not from oil producing areas – the likes of Chief Ugochukwu Oyema, Sen. Henshaw, Sen. Victor Edoma Egba and late Chief Sam Edem.

    “And as Niger Deltans, we are very disturbed by these unnecessary distractions because this is the first time we are witnessing a team so focused, passionate, sincere and committed to the development of the Niger Delta.”

    “It is sad because some people feel that the only way they can survive from the system is through endless blackmails, malignity and finding faults to ask for their removal.

    Read Also: Niger Delta safer with NDDC, group assures

    “The general uninformed mindset of our people is that going to the press to call for sack of those in power is the only way to get the attention of the persons concerned – unmindful of the destruction they could be doing to the reputation of the individuals by that singular act.

    “We understand that the planned protest against NDDC board is for self seeking and pecuniary gains, and MOSIEND being the leading mass mobilization group in the Niger Delta region urges the youths to desist from this pull-him-down syndrome to seek attention.

    “Everybody knows that this board stands out when you talk of open door policies and engagement – all thanks to Mr. President for assembling a workaholic team who are also humble and people oriented.

    “We will also seize this medium to call on the Managing Director/CEO to caution his aides because their actions are largely responsible for most of the embarrassment coming his way. Most of the aides need training on how to address issues for their principals, else, they will mar their boss’ achievements.

    “This habitual habit of dragging down people just to seek their attention is one taking too far and requires caution – the North also has similar commissions but you hardly find behaviours like this from their people – it is only from the Niger Delta and Ijaw extraction that you hear of such” 

  • Rivers council polls: IYC urges Arewa youths to recognise, respect regional boundaries

    Rivers council polls: IYC urges Arewa youths to recognise, respect regional boundaries

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has advised the Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) to steer clear of issues pertaining to the Niger Delta and to recognise and respect regional boundaries.

    The IYC, with its national headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, in a statement yesterday by its spokesman Amb. Binebai Princewill, asked them to desist from meddling in matters that do not pertain to their region.

    The IYC spokesman defended the conduct of local government elections in Rivers State, describing opposition to the elections as an affront to democracy.

    He expressed the Council’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic process, reacting strongly to perceived misinformation and allegations made by the Arewa youths regarding the local government elections.

    He argued that such statements could mislead the public and government officials.

    Read Aksi: 12 youths killed in IYC bloody election

    Although expressing their discontent with the interference, the IYC spokesman emphasised that democracy indicates a desire for constructive dialogue and political stability, rather than escalating confrontation.

    Princewill said: “While it is not the style of the IYC to respond to every Dick, Tom and Harry, Council thought it as highly imperative to respond to the AYPC to strictly set the records straight in order not to mislead some gullible members of the public and those in government with lies purely borne out of hatred. A lie if not corrected can mislead people hence our response.

    “Let it be known that anyone or group of persons fighting against the conduct of Local Government elections in Rivers State and Nigeria in general is an enemy of democracy, hence as true democrats we cannot keep quiet and watch our democracy wobble without contributing to strengthen it.

  • IYC suspends Secretary-General indefinitely over Eastern election killings

    IYC suspends Secretary-General indefinitely over Eastern election killings

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide with its national headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has suspended indefinitely the Secretary General of Council, Mr. Maobuye Nangi Obu.

    Maobuye was suspended in connection with his alleged roles in the attacks and killings of some Ijaw youths during Saturday’s Eastern Zonal elections in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The suspension followed the Council’s resolutions after rising from an expanded National Executive Council meeting yesterday in Port Harcourt.

    The communique released after the meeting was signed by Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, President, IYC Worldwide; Freedom Atigbi, Deputy President, IYC; Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, National Spokesman; Ari Fekorigha, National Mobilisation Officer; Amb. Egelu Bright, Assistant Secretary General; Comrade Fanny Amatoru, Treasurer; Ayebatiri  Victor-Gow, National Financial Secretary; Tikima Arigban, Chairman, IYC Lagos Chapter and Chairman, Chairmen Forum; Peres Ineife,

    Chairman, IYC Central Zone and Secretary Charmen Forum; Nicholas Tamara-Denyefa, Chairman IYC Western Zone; Emmanuel Deinma, Chairman, IYC Abuja Chapter and  Ebizimor Oweifie, Chairman, IYC UK Chapter.

    The communique said by the actions of the Secretary of Council, the entire IYC leadership  was held hostage by gunmen, thereby painting the Council in bad light. 

    Read Also: 12 youths killed in IYC bloody election

    The IYC said that as a responsible organisation, it could not fold its arms and let one of them to consistently sabotage the progress of Council and Ijaw nation through deliberate actions that had brought division, shame and avoidable deaths to Ijaw youths.

    It said the Council would transmit the resolution to its Parliament for appropriate further actions. 

    The communique urged the general public, institutions and individuals to desist from any further dealings with Maobuye, warning that anybody who does any transaction or dealings with him in the name of IYC does so at his or her own risk. 

    The Council also expressed profound sorrow and extended its condolences to His Royal Majesty, Brig.-Gen. Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (rtd), the Obeomomuodo 1 of Abuloma Clan, as well as to the immediate families of those who fell victim to the tragic and unprovoked violence during the zonal elections. 

    It said the deeply distressing incident resulted in the unwarranted deaths of numerous Ijaw youths with injuries to many more residents within the Abuloma community.

    The IYC said intelligence reports indicated that Nangi Maobuye, the Secretary General of the Council, played a critical role in inciting the violence that disrupted the democratic process, culminating in significant loss of lives and property. 

    The body said witnesses claimed that he was actively engaged in confrontational actions against the President of the Council and the Chairman of the Zonal Electoral Committee (Zeco), further exacerbating an already tense situation.

  • Why IYC won’t participate in protest, by spokesman

    Why IYC won’t participate in protest, by spokesman

    The spokesman for the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill, has reiterated that the youths of the Ijaw ethnic nationality would not participate in the ongoing protest against hardship in the country.

    In a statement on Thursday, August 1, Princewill noted that the decision was made under the direction of IYC President, Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr and the advice of Ijaw leaders, including Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Chief Timipre Sylva, Heineken Lokpobiri, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo. 

    He emphasised that they would not join a protest they viewed as selfish. Princewill pointed out that when the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation cried out for the development of their communities and villages, other regions remained indifferent. 

    However, he urged the federal government to address the yearnings of Nigerians, stressing that people are truly suffering and that all levels of government should work to make life easier for the common man.

    Princewill noted: “While the IYC is not joining the protest, the federal government should also be aware that the Ijaw people and the entire Niger Delta region are yearning for proper development. 

    “The demands of the IYC include the urgent fixing of the entire East-West Road, relocation of International Oil Companies (IOCs) headquarters to the Niger Delta, the inclusion of Ijaw people in the purported sale of Shell’s Onshore Assets. We are also calling for a national dialogue to address the multifaceted issues bedevilling Nigeria, Ijaw, and the entire Niger Delta, and a reduction of fuel prices to ease the living conditions of the common man. 

    “As Niger Deltans and Ijaw people, we have for long cried for the development of our Niger Delta region and Ijaw communities and villages, but it is shocking that over the years, no region has been fair enough in joining the Ijaws in our genuine quest for resource control and self-determination. 

    “The IYC cannot risk joining a protest it knows nothing about and that does not also include its developmental agenda.”

    He expressed optimism that soon there would be moves within Ijaw and Niger Delta for which the issues confronting them would be tabled before the Federal Government for urgent attention.