Young people in the Niger Delta region, under the banner of the Ilya Youth Commission (IYC), call on President Bola Tinubu to remove the Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT) from the office.
The group warns that failure to address their needs could negatively impact Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.
During a massive demonstration on Tuesday, thousands of IYC members blocked East/West Road for more than a dozen hours, sabotaging economic activity and vowing to continue protesting unless their requests were met.
The protests stopped business and travel, and were a direct response to what they said was an insulting comment.
IYC President, PhD UTOOPHILUS InformationThe person who led the protest told Pioneer, “The young people today said that the FCT minister’s ruthless statement to the Iya country is unacceptable.
The protests were triggered by Vick’s remarks, who called the Ilyans “a minority” a statement that the IYC leaders consider very disrespectful.
Theophes stressed that “We cannot allow one to cause problems in the River State and do not respect the Ilyan people as if he was the emperor.
Naija News The IYC leader also accused Wike of blaming Wike for the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that President Tinob would be held responsible for any escalation if the situation was not resolved.
Theophilus said the East/West Road is the main economic route connecting the Niger Delta with Lagos and the Northeast, and the ongoing protests will seriously damage businesses and economic activities.
“The president must understand that if he values his 2027 reelection ambition, he should act immediately and remove him to restore peace in Rivers,” he said. Theophilus announced.
The demonstrations included Ijaw youth from Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta State, and were marked by peaceful shouts and banner displays and called for the evacuation of Wike. However, Theophilus warned that the IYC would resume protests if nothing was taken on Friday, March 21.
The IYC also urged the federal government to act quickly to prevent further destruction and protect economic stability in the region.
The group made it clear that their protests would continue if their demands were not met, indicating the potential for future turmoil.