Abuja, January 26, 2026 – Major Niger Delta youth organisations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have strongly condemned the circulation of unauthorised and false plans for a protest against the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku, describing such actions as subversive and detrimental to regional progress.
In a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency townhall meeting convened by His Royal Highness Dr. Selky Kile Toroughedi Eyewei V — the Eyewei of Azuzuama Kingdom and Amananawei of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the FCT — on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at his palace in Efab City Estate, Life-Camp, Abuja, the groups reaffirmed their commitment to peace, constructive advocacy, and collective advancement.
The meeting brought together leaders from the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) FCT Youth Wing, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) FCT/Northern Nigeria Chapter, South-Wing Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) Abuja Base, Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Abuja, and Ijaw Community Association Abuja.
Key resolutions adopted unanimously include:
– Recognition of shared goals among Niger Delta groups in the FCT, focused on sustainable development, fair representation, and improved welfare for the region’s people.
– A call for unity over division, emphasising that fragmentation weakens advocacy efforts and that all Niger Deltans in Abuja should promote peace, solidarity, and mutual respect.
– Establishment of a unified coordinating platform — the FCT Niger Delta Unified Front — with a working committee drawn from the represented groups to develop frameworks for joint consultations, event planning, resource sharing, and single-channel communication with government and security agencies.
– Stern rejection of subversive conduct such as backstabbing, character assassination, personal profiteering, or inflammatory communications that undermine collective interests.
– Total disavowal of violence, unlawful protests, or any actions threatening public peace, with a firm pledge to engage only through lawful, constructive means including dialogue, researched advocacy, and responsible media engagement.
The communiqué highlighted recent false social media publications falsely attributed to groups like PANDEF, claiming plans for a protest at the National Assembly demanding Dr. Ogbuku’s removal. Similar disclaimers had earlier been issued by PANDEF’s FCT Youth Wing, which condemned the impersonation and praised Ogbuku’s leadership for bringing renewed focus, discipline, and developmental momentum to the NDDC.
Participants expressed deep appreciation to HRH Dr. Selky Kile Toroughedi Eyewei V for his fatherly intervention, wise counsel, and provision of a royal platform for reconciliation and forward-looking discussions. His emphasis on unity was adopted as the guiding principle moving forward.
The document is to be transmitted to relevant security agencies, the NDDC, the Presidential Amnesty Programme Office, and broader Niger Delta leadership to affirm the groups’ peaceful intentions and resolve.
Signed on behalf of the organisations by Comrade Embale Jonathan (PANDEF FCT Youth Wing), Comr. Emmanuel Deinma Abibo (IYC FCT/Northern Nigeria Chapter), Comr. Prince Ogolo (Ijaw Community Association Abuja), Comr. Emomotimi Wilberforce (South-Wing MEND Abuja Base), the communiqué underscores a renewed focus on strategic, unified advocacy to advance the Niger Delta’s interests without disruption or division.
