According to the report from the Vanguard, The 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience (21st CYNDAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s silence over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, describing it as "disturbing, worrisome, and unacceptable."
In a statement issued by the group's leader, Izon Ebi, the Niger Delta group condemned the President's inaction, attributing the crisis to the influence of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State.
Ebi stated, "The reason for the political crisis in Rivers State is not far-fetched. It’s a fight between a renegade political godfather and a godson; it’s a resistance to the capture of state resources and institutions for the use and benefit of a godfather and his loyalists."
He warned, "Mr. President should call Wike and his lackeys to order. Instability in Rivers State will surely snowball into instability in the region. This will put paid to the renewed Hope agenda. A stitch in time saves nine."
Ebi emphasized the need for respect and peace, saying, "No citizen is more important than the other, and no one has a monopoly on violence or nuisance. People should respect themselves and allow peace to reign for the development and progress of the state."
The statement further criticized the role of security agencies in the crisis. "The action of police in the sealing of the local government council is partisan and complicit. It doesn’t speak well of a public institution meant to be nonpartisan," Ebi said.
The group urged the adversaries to allow state institutions to function according to the Constitution and highlighted the public's support for Governor Similaye Fubara. They also pointed to the recent explosion during a protest as evidence of deliberate attempts to create unrest.
Ebi concluded, "For the avoidance of doubt, Wike’s quest for political control of the state governor and government apparatus should not be sanctioned and approved by Mr. President. Instability in Rivers State will surely snowball into instability in the region. This will put paid to the renewed Hope agenda. A stitch in time saves nine. Mr. President should call Wike and his lackeys to order."