Protest Rocks Abuja as Niger Delta Youths Accuse Ribadu of Bribery Over Pipeline Contract
A coalition of Niger Delta youth groups, led by Dr. Alaye Tari Theophilus, stormed the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday in a peaceful protest to express outrage over the handling of pipeline surveillance contracts in the region.
Dr. Theophilus, who serves as President of the Ijaw Youth Council and also heads the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Coalition, was joined by youth leaders from across the oil-rich region. The protesters demanded the decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts, arguing that the current arrangement is unfair, opaque, and excludes key stakeholders at the grassroots level.
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Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the demonstrators called on federal lawmakers to urgently review the process through which surveillance contracts are awarded. They insisted that greater inclusion of local communities would enhance transparency, accountability, and security in the Niger Delta.
In a dramatic twist, the group also leveled serious allegations against Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, accusing him of collecting bribes from individuals allegedly linked to the controversial pipeline contracts. The claim, which was not immediately substantiated with evidence, has sparked fresh controversy and heightened political tension around the issue.
Speaking during the protest, Dr. Theophilus said the youths would no longer tolerate what he described as “systemic exclusion and exploitation” of the Niger Delta people. He warned that failure to address their concerns could trigger widespread unrest in the region.“We are demanding fairness. The wealth of our land must benefit our people, not a select few operating behind closed doors,” he said.
Efforts to reach the Office of the National Security Adviser for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. However, observers say the allegations could prompt calls for an independent investigation if public pressure continues to mount.
The protest remained peaceful, with security agencies maintaining a visible presence around the National Assembly complex. Lawmakers are yet to officially respond to the demands raised by the group.
The development adds to growing agitation in the Niger Delta over resource control, transparency in government dealings, and equitable distribution of economic opportunities tied to the region’s vast oil infrastructure
