During an interview on Channels Television’s The Beam on Monday, Theophilus, a representative of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the current Petroleum Minister. He emphasized that the IYC cannot continue to support him.
“The minister has demonstrated his incompetence to the public, and the IYC cannot advocate for his continued stay in office. He has shown clear signs of failure,” Theophilus remarked.
He further stressed the urgent need for the government to implement effective strategies to tackle the issues of poverty and hunger affecting the Niger Delta region.
Theophilus also pointed fingers at Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL), along with the Petroleum Minister. He argued that their management approach has contributed to the worsening hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly those in the Niger Delta.
“Anything happening in the oil sector—Mele Kyari and the Petroleum Minister are the ones advising Mr. President and providing him with reports. We are informing the President that Mele Kyari has failed. His selective methods have caused more suffering for Nigerians, especially for our people in the Niger Delta,” Theophilus stated.
He further revealed that the IYC plans to stage another protest after completing consultations with key stakeholders. The protest is expected to last at least 14 days.
“As a people who respect hierarchy, we are engaging in comprehensive consultations with our stakeholders, including our elder, Pa Dike Clark. Once the consultations are concluded, we will announce the start of the protest, which will last no less than 14 days,” he concluded.
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