The Speaker of the Niger Delta Youth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Ifon Daniel Samuel, has dissociated himself from a proposed protest linked to alleged exclusion in a pipeline surveillance contract Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited PINL, urging youths to remain calm and vigilant.
Ifon in a statement on Thursday said his name was wrongly associated with a statement calling for demonstrations across Uyo, Warri, Port Harcourt and Abuja on April 20, 2026.
“I did not authorise, endorse, or consent to that statement in any form whatsoever,” he said. “My name was attached as a signatory without my knowledge or approval, and I strongly dissociate myself from it.”
The disputed notice had reportedly triggered concerns within youth circles over claims of marginalisation in the multi-billion naira contract arrangement.
While noting that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the Speaker stressed that such actions must be guided by truth and proper consultation.
“Peaceful protest remains a legitimate democratic right, but it must be founded on transparency and due process. In this case, none of these principles were observed,” he stated.
Ifon reiterated his position that opportunities in the Niger Delta, particularly in critical national infrastructure projects, should be made open to ensure wider youth participation.
According to him, such an approach would reduce unemployment and insecurity in the region.
However, he cautioned against calls to probe or disrupt the current pipeline surveillance arrangement, insisting that progress had been recorded.
“A significant number of people are already benefiting from the arrangement, and there is visible progress that cannot be ignored,” he said.
He called on Niger Delta Youths and Stakeholders to redirect their advocacy on owing oil wells than fighting for protecting oil pipelines own people from other regions
Ifon urged young people across the Niger Delta to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and not allow themselves to be used for destabilisation.
“The Niger Delta must continue on the path of dialogue and constructive engagement for lasting peace and development,” he added.