The State Security Service (SSS) yesterday paraded twelve youths who claimed to be leaders of Niger Delta Youths Coalition (NDYC), for allegedly threatening to blow up petroleum pipelines, cause mayhem in the oil-rich region, and kill 98 senators, if their demands are not met by President Umaru Musa Yar�Adua.
The youths had written a letter entitled “Request for Attention/Audience,” and dated November 5, 2007 to President Yar�Adua, seeking to dine with him. They also sought the confirmation of Chief Godsday Orubebe as “Minister of Niger Delta” and the release of some N250 billion, which has been appropriated to the Niger Delta Development Commiss-ion (NNDC), to them.
While briefing journalists yesterday, the Director of Operations of the SSS, Mr. Noble Samson, said the Niger Delta youths were picked up at the Aso Rock presidential villa on Wednesday when they arrived Abuja to keep their appointment with President Yar�Adua.
In the letter addressed to Yar�Adua and copied to all the security outfits in the country, the group said, “The Niger Delta Youths Coalition has after a cursory appraisal of on-going events in the country, especially after the charade in Port Harcourt by your senators, resolved to demand for the unfettered heads of ninety-eight heads of senators within two weeks from now. In addition, you, Mr. President, must also dine with us. We are not afraid of any threat. We demand also for the unhindered release of the N250 billion belonging to the NDDC.
The group stated further that, “let it be known to you that we are prepared right away to set the Niger Delta area and all oil installations ablaze, using our know-how. This is to show the world how wicked you and your government have so far been.”
Led by one Prince Emman-uel Ogba, 33, the group is made up of 11 young men and a lady. The other members included Prince Barry Marawa; Osita Otike; Solomon Dedeke-me; Ediapko Afamousidie, and Paul Solomon.
Others are Dr. Joe Amakri; Miss Edikedina Paeia; Oke Emokiniobo Tayo; Tony Teleso; Innocent Orji Akani and Ahiakwo C. Ikeh.
The SSS director told journalists that after issuing the threats to the president, the group had the effrontery to hire “an NDDC vehicle without paying the cost, to come to Abuja with the hope that after having an “audience” with the President, C-in-C, Mr. President would dole out money, which was the basis of the initial threat.
“To say the least, the action of these unpatriotic youths is despicable and indeed undermines the genuine struggle of those committed to the development and peace in the Niger Delta.”
However, in a telephone interview with Daily Trust last night, Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo, said if the group expressed the intention to blow up oil installations, they cannot be said to have committed any crime.