Niger Delta youth leaders have boldly demanded immediate intervention in the political impasse in Rivers State warning that continued neglect could lead to renewed militancy and unrest in the creeks
Addressing the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio and other members of the National Assembly from the region, delegation leader Jonathan Lokpobri made it clear that the Niger Delta will no longer tolerate inaction.
A major concern raised was the deepening political turmoil in Rivers State, a crisis the youth leaders said could destabilize the entire Niger Delta if left unchecked.
“Rivers is to the Niger Delta what Lagos is to Nigeria’s economy. If it falls into chaos, we all suffer,” Lokpobri warned. “This is no longer an internal party dispute—it is a direct threat to our region’s stability.”
He therefore called on the Senate President to use his good office, the delegation urged immediate presidential intervention to prevent a full-blown crisis.
The youth also condemned recent allegations and political attacks against the Senate President, particularly from within his own political family.
Lokpobri said they trust his leadership and won’t let anyone damage his reputation. He urged that the issue be resolved privately instead of being discussed in the media.
The delegation demanded answers regarding the University of Maritime Studies, which has remained non-operational despite being established by law over a decade ago.
“Where is the Vice-Chancellor? Where is the Governing Council? Why is this institution still abandoned?” Lokpobri questioned. “We refuse to accept any more delays.”
He also raised concerns about the Niger Delta Coastal Road, emphasizing that it must begin from within the region rather than solely from Lagos.
The delegation called for the immediate extension of the Warri-Itakpe railway to Abuja, highlighting the tragic death of musician Barrister Smooth and others last year, an avoidable loss had the railway been completed.
“Why stop the train at Itakpe when Abuja is just a step away? Must we keep losing our people to deadly roads?” Lopobri asked.
The youth leaders also demanded full development of seaports in the Niger Delta, questioning why Lagos remains the country’s primary maritime hub while ports in their region remain underdeveloped.
“If Nigeria can fund a superhighway from Sokoto to Badagry, why can’t our seaports be revived?” they argued.
As a final demand, the youth delegation called for a direct meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that their grievances must be heard at the highest level.
“Too often, our concerns are dismissed as exaggerations. This time, we want the President to hear directly from the youth of the Niger Delta.”
With a firm and unrelenting tone, the Niger Delta youth sent a clear message: The time for empty promises is over. Action must be taken—now.
Responding Akpabio reassured Niger Delta youth leaders of the Senate’s commitment to addressing key regional issues, including political stability, infrastructure, and economic development
Akpabio emphasized that the Niger Delta must stand firm in governance, noting it had been 46 years since the region last produced a Senate President.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s respect for judicial processes and urged people to seek facts before making politically motivated claims.
He assured that road construction in the Niger Delta, including the **Warri-Abuja railway extension and Maritime University operationalization,** was a top priority.
On the crises in Rivers State Akpabio urged stakeholders to focus on dialogue and unity to maintain regional stability.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill for Kubo University and emphasized the importance of education in regional growth.
Akpabio concluded by reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to progress, peace, and development in the Niger Delta.
Jonathan Lokpobiri
