An Apex Ijaw Youth body, Ijaw Youth Council has expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Bayelsa state.
The Youth Council also demanded the resignation of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, over the claims that Bayelsa State was not among the 10 most-affected states hit by the flooding disaster.
In a statement by the national spokesperson for the IYC, Ebipade Ekerefe, on Tuesday, the body said “For one, it is sad to note the controversy, disrespectful comments, and politicisation of the humanitarian disaster that swallowed over 400 communities of the eight local government councils of Bayelsa State. Over a million persons, including women and children, were displaced. Farmlands, critical roads, lives, bridges, and major businesses are lost.
“Secondly, the IYC became more worried that despite the plea from the Bayelsa State Government and the Governor, Senator Douye Diri, the Federal Government, who was expected to extend a hand of fellowship, failed us.”
Continuing, the statement said, “Instead of limiting their disgraceful failure to the delayed sending of relief materials for emergencies and the care of the millions of the IDPs, the Minister for Disaster Management and Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Farouq threw more oil into the fire in order to burn the state by making unguided, uninformed and provocative statements.
“Instead of providing succor, as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, the minister is adding to the trauma of victims of the flood who have gone through the trauma of braving the elements by sleeping outside on dugout canoes, rooftops, and flood water floors.
“We are aware that she did not undertake any assessment trip to the troubled state of Bayelsa, but was quick to rate the magnitude of the flood disaster that claimed hundreds of women, men and children as not strong enough compared to Jigawa State.
“In view of this gross and disgraceful misconduct and dereliction of duty, we want to join millions of Niger Delta people by asking the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development to resign her appointment as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The IYC, however, commended the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri for the role he played in ameliorating the condition of the affected persons in the state.
