The Nation Newspaper

Tag: IYC

  • IYC to Buhari: don’t sack Seifa

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to resist pressure from some quarters in the Presidency to sack the Director-General, Department of State Security (DSS), Mathew Seifa.

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths told Buhari that persons calling for the removal of Seifa, who hails from Bayelsa State, were the real enemies of his administration, democracy and the collective quest for equity.

    The Secretary-General, IYC, Alfred Kemepado, in a statement, described persons plotting to remove Seifa as corrupt and evil.

    Kemepado said removing Seifa would reinforce the alleged nepotism against the Buhari administration.

    He said the emergence of Seifa as DSS directcor-general presented the Buhari’s administration a golden opportunity to correct the impression of nepotism in his style of appointments.

    He said the administration would bungle the opportunity if it sacked Seifa adding that such action would pit the presidency against the Southsouth.

    He said: “The emergence of Seifa gave the Southsouth and the Niger Delta a sense of belonging. He has also made us proud because he has performed very well. Sacking him will spell doom for the government and further reinforce the allegations of nepotism against the government.

    “We, therefore, describe the rumoured plots to sack Seiyefa as corrupt and evil. Seiyefa was nominated for the top job based on merit and achievements in service and that should not be replaced with nepotism as some quarters are already promoting.

    “We call on Seiyefa to shun desperate politicians whose trade is to politicise the nation’s security system. It is becoming obvious that desperate politicians are working tirelessly to thwart the noble achievements of the new DG especially in his reorganisation of the service to fit into its founding principles and values as expected in a democratic society.

    He said from Bar. Seiyefa’s inaugural speech to his actions has not only shown that he is a thoroughbred, but he his adding value daily to the President Buhari led government in the areas of respect to human rights and even more. That within the short period of his service we have built confidence in him and we are willing to work with him.

    “We are calling on President Buhari to totally prohibit the politicization of our security system and deal decisively with the promoters of such, especially in these days of various political challenges.

    “We thanks President Buhari again for considering a son of the South of Nigeria for the job as it has put to rest to a large extent the agitation of the one-sided appointment of security chiefs.

    “Those, who are flaunting nepotism at the expense of national security for their private gains are not just enemies of democracy, but enemies of The President Buhari’ s administration in these challenging times.

    “We calls for his confirmation as substantive DG and for the urges President Buhari to protect him to concentrate on his good job”.

  • IYC praises Seifa for releasing DSS detainees

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide yesterday applauded the Director-General, Department of State Sevices (DSS), Matthew Seifa, for releasing detainees held in the agency without trial.

    IYC called on the Presidency to confirm the appointment of Seifa and make him the substantive head of DSS.

    The Nation reported exclusively that the DSS was in the process of releasing suspects it detained without trial in Abuja.

    Seven of the suspects, who were arrested in 2016 in Bayelsa State, were brought to Yenagoa at the weekend.

    They were brought from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja to the Office of the DSS in Yenagoa and released to their family and friends, who milled around the agency’s office.

    Some of the suspects were shedding tears of joy in the warm embrace of their friends when they marched out of the DSS facility.

    The suspects looked unkempt with overgrown bears, rough skin and dirty clothes.

    One of them, Clinton Ohaigbofa, confirmed that suspects held without trial were being released across the country.

    Clinton, who hails from Ebedebiri in Ogbia Local Government, attributed the development to the disposition of the DSS boss.

    He said they were held in underground cells in Abuja for over two years, adding that they suffered greatly.

    The  IYC, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Alfred Kemepado, hailed, describing him as a true democrat.

    Kemepado said the release gave hope and value to democracy.

    He urged Seifa  to look into the case of high profile detainees like El-zazaky, leader of Shiites and dispense fairness to all.

    “IYC has spoken to colleagues from other ethnic nationalities and most have expressed their confidence that Mr. Seiyefa will tackle the humongous security challenges facing Nigeria today; from Boko Haram to the herdsmen palava and to recent activities that threaten our democracy”.

    Kemepado thanked  President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Osibanjo for considering a competent son of the South to head the DSS.

    “This is positively contrary to our earlier beliefs that the President disrespected us. We want to appeal to President Buhari to confirm Seifa’s appointment as we are willing to work with him and others to sustain the peace in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta, especially.

    “We call on all groups to continue to support Seiyefa with information and prayers for the good of all. The  IYC appeals to Seiyefa not to yield to the antics of politicians but to uphold the values of his service and uphold our growing democracy”, he said.

  • IYC commends Seiyefa for releasing DSS detainees

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide Tuesday applauded the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mathew Seiyefa, for making good his promise to review cases and release detainees held in the agency without trials.

    IYC also called on the Presidency to confirm the appointment of Seiyefa and make him the substantive head of the DSS.

    The Nation reported exclusively that the DSS commenced a process of granting freedom to suspects detained for some years without trials in its facilities in Abuja.

    Seven of the suspects, who were arrested in 2016 in Bayelsa State, were brought to Yenagoa at the weekend.

    They were brought from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja to the office of the DSS in Yenagoa and released to their family members and friends, who milled around the agency’s office.

    Some of the suspects were seen shedding tears of joy in the warm embrace of their friends when they finally marched out of the DSS facility.

    The suspects looked unkempt with overgrown bears, rough skin and dirty clothes.

    One of them, who identified himself as Clinton Ohaigbofa, confirmed that suspects held without trial were being massively released across the country.

    Clinton, who hails from Ebedebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area, attributed the development to the disposition of the new DSS boss.

    He said they were held in underground cells in Abuja for over two years, adding that they untold hardship.

    The  IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Alfred Kemepado, expressed satisfaction and comfort with the recent strides of Seifa describing him as a true democrat.

    Kemepado said the recent release of persons detained in the custody of the DSS without trial gave hope and value to democracy.

    He, however, urged Seifa to look into high profile cases detainees like that of El-zazaky, the leader of the Shiites in Nigeria and dispense fairness to all.

    He said: “IYC has spoken to colleagues from other ethnic nationalities and most have expressed their confidence that Mr. Seiyefa will tackle the humongous security challenges facing Nigeria today from Boko Haram to the herdsmen palava and to recent activities that threatens our democracy”.

    Kemepado thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Osibanjo for considering a competent son of the South of Nigeria to head the DSS.

    “This is positively contrary to our earlier beliefs that the President disrespected us. We want to appeal to President Buhari to confirm Seifa’s appointment as we are willing to work with him and others to sustain the peace in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta especially.

    “We call on all groups to continue to support Seiyefa with information and prayers for the overall good of all. The IYC appeals to Seiyefa not to yield to the antics of politicians but to uphold the values of his service and also uphold our growing democracy,” he said.

  • IYC commends Seifa for releasing DSS detainees

    …Calls for his confirmation

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide on Tuesday applauded the Director-General of the Department of State Security ( DSS ), Mathew Seifa, for making good his promise to review cases and release detainees held in the agency without trials.

    IYC also called on the Presidency to confirm the appointment of Seifa and make him the substantive head of the DSS.

    The Nation reported exclusively that the DSS commenced a process of granting freedom to suspects detained for some years without trials in its facilities in Abuja.

    Seven of the suspects, who were arrested in 2016 in Bayelsa State, were brought to Yenagoa at the weekend.

    They were brought from the DSS Headquarters in Abuja to the office of the DSS in Yenagoa and released to their family members and friends, who milled around the agency’s office.

    Some of the suspects were seen shedding tears of joy in the warm embrace of their friends when they finally marched out of the DSS facility.

    The suspects looked unkempt with overgrown bears, rough skin and dirty clothes.

    One of them, who identified himself as Clinton Ohaigbofa, confirmed that suspects held without trial were being massively released across the country.

    Read Also: IYC, Ohanaeze youths back pro-restructuring candidates

    Clinton, who hails from Ebedebiri in Ogbia Local Government Area, attributed the development to the disposition of the new DSS boss.

    He said they were held in underground cells in Abuja for over two years, adding that they untold hardship.

    The IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Alfred Kemepado, expressed satisfaction and comfort with the recent strides of Seifa describing him as a true democrat.

    Kemepado said the recent release of persons detained in the custody of the DSS without trial gave hope and value to democracy.

    He, however, urged Seifa to look into high profile cases detainees like that of El-zazaky, the leader of the Shiites in Nigeria and dispense fairness to all.

    He said: “IYC has spoken to colleagues from other ethnic nationalities and most have expressed their confidence that Mr. Seiyefa will tackle the humongous security challenges facing Nigeria today from Boko Haram to the herdsmen palava and to recent activities that threatens our democracy”.

    Kemepado thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Osibanjo for considering a competent son of the South of Nigeria to head the DSS.

    “This is positively contrary to our earlier beliefs that the President disrespected us. We want to appeal to President Buhari to confirm Seifa’s appointment as we are willing to work with him and others to sustain the peace in Nigeria and in the Niger Delta especially.

    “We call on all groups to continue to support Seiyefa with information and prayers for the overall good of all. The IYC appeals to Seiyefa not to yield to the antics of politicians but to uphold the values of his service and also uphold our growing democracy”, he said.

  • IYC, Ohanaeze youths back pro-restructuring candidates

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) at the weekend appealed to their members to support pro-restructuring candidates irrespective of their parties in 2019.

    Leaders of the groups, who met at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, urged members to vote in those supporting restructuring.

    The Igbo leaders comprised Southsouth Coordinator of OYC Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa; Southsouth Secretary of OYC Ogoegbunam Ifeanyi; OYC leaders  Remy Agwuzie (Cross River); Chief Chris Ezeukwu (Delta State); Ezeilo Franklin (Rivers State); and Chief Nelson Udeze (Akwa Ibom).

    The Igbo leaders’ delegation later  met with the leadership of IYC, Central Zone, chaired by Mr. Tari Porri.

    Prior to the meeting, the Igbo delegates, in a communique signed by Franklin, called on the Federal Government to  restructure the country.

    “It has become more strident even as it has been generally agreed by all ethnic nationalities and even the political party at the centre that there is a need to restructure the Nigerian state for better efficiency”, they said.

    The Igbo leaders asked multinational companies to relocate their headquarters to Niger Delta in line with directives of the Presidency.

    They said the relocation would enhance harmonious relationship between oil companies and host communities and enthrone mutual trust, respect and peace.

    The leaders emphasised the need for mutual co-existence  between the Southsouth and SouthEast for development.

    In a meeting with Porri, Aurthur-Ugwa, Bayelsa State president of OYC said youths were planning a summit on restructuring.

    Porri hailed his Igbo counterparts for their position on restructuring, saying it was in tandem with the views of Governor, Seriake Dickson.

    He said youths would support only pro-restructuring candidates in the elections.

    “We have resolved to have a cordial relationship with the Igbos across the world. Anywhere you see Igbo man and Ijaw man we are friends and brothers. This will further encourage us to be our brothers’ keepers.

    “We have also reaffirmed our commitment, support and solidarity with our fathers around the world on the resolution that the 2019 general election is a referendum on restructuring.

    “The youth wings of Ijaw nation and Ohanaeze have resolved that we are working together to vote for a presidential candidate that believes in the restructuring of this country”, he said.

  • IYC to DSS chief: Beware of politicians

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, has urged the acting Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Mathew Seifa, to beware of politicians.

    The IYC Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, appealed to Seifa to toe the path of caution in his relationships with politicians ahead of the 2019 elections.

    Kemepado, in a statement at the weekend lamented that politicians infiltrated many security outfits in the country to control and manipulate security architecture to their advantage.

    He said Seifa should be careful not to repeat the pitfalls associated with the security services especially the recent unwholesome influence of politics on security.

    Kemepado said: “The politicisation of security and the unholy influence of politicians over the security institutions is a threat to our democracy. The professionalism of the security agencies to protect all lives, property and the protection of our democracy and democratic institutions is more important than any person or group of persons’ interest.”

    He said Ijaw youths were grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari for considering a southerner for a top security position.

    He urged southerners and Nigerians, especially Niger Delta people to support the new DSS chief to succeed in his new assignment.

    He added: “Seiyefa we know is a thorough officer and the Presidency is expected to support him to do his job professionally and without bias for personal interest as we may have noticed with some agencies in recent times.

    “We also condemn the recent siege on the National Assembly by operatives of the DSS. That such desperation by political actors and their cohorts in the security agencies must be resisted by all.

    “We salute the courage of Boma Goodhead and others and call on all youth groups and Civil Liberty Organisations (CLOs) to stand up to the defence of our democracy more than ever.

    “Boma Goodhead is a true daughter of Ijaw land, full of calm courage and exceptional conviction to say no to injustice when NO was the right answer.

    “The recent attacks on our democracy call for international intervention and the intervention should be led by both the United Kingdom government and the government of United States.”

     

  • 2019: Nigerian youths charged not to settle for ‘crumbs’

    Nigerian youths have been charged not to settle for “crumbs” but take their “rightful” place in the forthcoming general elections.

    President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo, gave the charge in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Friday.

    Barr. Pereotubo also declared that only candidates and political parties who believe in “restructuring at all levels” should be given support.

    According to the statement, which analyzed the pivotal roles played by youths who reportedly constitute over 65% of the active voting population, young people have been poorly treated in all sectors of the society.

    “It is very obvious that youths play the most sensitive and most significant roles at all levels including in the various political parties. The question here is: how well has our great youths been treated? What has been our reward after elections?

    “The answers and aftermath stories have been very unpalatable, unpleasant and undesirable. It has been so because the leaders we work and sacrifice everything including our lives do not value or appreciate our sacrifices. They do not know our worth. They feel youths cannot do without them.

    Read Also: Ogulagha Community Leaders fault claims against Monarch

    “They feel youths cannot survive without the peanuts and crumbs that fall from their tables but that is not true. Our great youths can do far better without the crumbs because we are the ones that work for the whole from which they pinch out the crumbs for us,” Pereotubo lamented.

    Giving examples of young persons, President Kurz of Austria, President Macron of France, Comrade Malema of South Africa, among others across the world, he stated that Nigerian youths cannot be left behind in the “global trend”.

    He urged youths to “aspire for greatness” and vie for political offices both at the federal and state levels, emphasizing thus: “we must leave the back seat our leaders have given us and take our rightful positions in 2019. We should bear in mind that freedom is never given, rather it is taken by the oppressed and exploited.”

    Further commending leaders who have overtime worked with and supported youths, the IYC president added that opportunities to serve be given to those who have shown competence to so do.

  • IYC warns against subversion of democracy

    The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has called for vigilance against anti-democratic forces in the country.

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday said it would mobilise youths from all the ethnic nationalities across the country to stop any attempt to subvert democratic governance.

    The IYC in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, asked political leaders and key players to mind their public conducts and utterances.

    Kemepado appealed to leaders to show their patriotism by giving required attention to the sustenance of democracy and avoiding acts that could truncate it in the country.

    He said the IYC believed that democracy under President Muhammdu Buhari ebbing and doubted the President’s commitment to the ideals of democratic principles.

     Kemepado said the siege on the Abuja homes of the leadership of the Senate further confirmed the fears that democracy was under threat.

    He said: “The exploitation of state security apparatus to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents is not a healthy development. It is a display of political desperation which should not have a place in our democracy.

    “The recent developments at the National Assembly and the harassment of perceived political opponents are without doubt threats to democratic governance in the country. The National Assembly is an autonomous organ and shouldn’t be subjected to such a degrading harassment.

    “The blockade of the convoy of the Senate President and the failed attempt to arrest him with a view to prevent the Senate from sitting is unhealthy”.

    He added that for democracy to thrive, the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution must be respected. 

    Kemepado insisted there must be strict adherence to democratic ethos and values by all political actors.

    He argued that the emerging political situation in the country was further justification of the growing call for the restructuring of the country.

    He lamented what he described as the brazen violation of court orders by the current administration saying such lingering issues would be effectively addressed in a restructured Nigeria.

    Kemepado said that it was important for politicians to play by the rule and place the interest of the country and its stability above their individual and selfish political interests.

    He urged the people to resist any attempt by any group of persons or political interest to endanger the ideals of democracy.

    He said the insecurity occasioned by the herders/farmers killings across the state’s was disturbing and called on political leadership and security agencies to stop the bloodshed.

  • IYC warns against subversion of democracy

    The Ijaw Youths Council ( IYC ) Worldwide has called for vigilance against anti-democratic forces in the country.

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday said it would mobilise youths from all the ethnic nationalities across the country to stop any attempt to subvert democratic governance.

    According to the statement, signed by its Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, political leaders and key players have been asked to mind their public conducts and utterances.

    Kemepado appealed to leaders to show their patriotism by giving required attention to the sustenance of democracy and avoiding acts that could truncate it in the country.

    He said the IYC believed that democracy under President Muhammdu Buhari ebbing and doubted the President’s commitment to the ideals of democratic principles.

    Kemepado said the siege on the Abuja homes of the leadership of the Senate further confirmed the fears that democracy was under threat.

    He said: “The exploitation of state security apparatus to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents is not a healthy development. It is a display of political desperation which should not have a place in our democracy.

    “The recent developments at the National Assembly and the harassment of perceived political opponents are without doubt threats to democratic governance in the country. The National Assembly is an autonomous organ and shouldn’t be subjected to such a degrading harassment.

    “The blockade of the convoy of the Senate President and the failed attempt to arrest him with a view to prevent the Senate from sitting is unhealthy”.

    He added that for democracy to thrive, the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution must be respected.

    Kemepado insisted there must be strict adherence to democratic ethos and values by all political actors.

    He argued that the emerging political situation in the country was further justification of the growing call for the restructuring of the country.

    He lamented what he described as the brazen violation of court orders by the current administration saying such lingering issues would be effectively addressed in a restructured Nigeria.

    Kemepado said that it was important for politicians to play by the rule and place the interest of the country and its stability above their individual and selfish political interests.

    He urged the people to resist any attempt by any group of persons or political interest to endanger the ideals of democracy.

    He said the insecurity occasioned by the herders/farmers killings across the state’s was disturbing and called on political leadership and security agencies to stop the bloodshed.

  • IYC accuses Presidency of frustrating restructuring

    The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has accused the Presidency of frustrating efforts at restructuring the country.

    In a statement signed by the president, Pereotubo Oweilaemi  in Warri yesterday, the group noted that calls for restructuring precedes the present government.

    The IYC was reacting to the news that some prominent southern leaders were denied from landing at the Makurdi Airport, in Benue State, where they were to have a crucial meeting on restructuring.

    It said when past governments found it (call for true federalism) overbearing, meetings were held to map out the way forward.

    Describing the reason for the denial as “flimsy”, the IYC added that it was “the height of insensitivity of the government towards its citizenry.”

    “Indeed, it’s now glaring to all and sundry that our democracy is under serious threat. For Buhari to allow his appointees to display such disdain towards our leaders in a country where we are supposed to be free citizens means Nigerians are not safe in his government.

    “The action of the presidency in preventing the citizens of this country from moving freely only portends danger. It means every discerning voice will be emasculated by the government just to have its way. IYC foresees democratic doom in Nigeria.

    “President Buhari who confessed in 2015 that he was a repented Democratic should rule the Country in accordance with the democratic norms. There cannot be any government if the will of the citizens are no longer tolerated.

    “The power of the government resides in the people. Buhari should therefore allow Nigerians to exercise their fundamental rights. The clamour for restructuring predated his government. No citizen was ever prevented by his predecessors from holding meetings or conferences on restructuring.”