Last Thursday, influential leaders and young people from the Ijaw community came together in Warri, Delta State, to mark the launch of a new National Executive Committee (NEC) for the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the overarching socio-cultural organization representing the Ijaw people.
The gathering included participants from Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Edo states, with Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei officially taking up the role of President of the organization.
Established in 1991, the INC was created to foster solidarity and a shared identity among Ijaw groups throughout the Niger Delta, while safeguarding their political and economic rights. Throughout the years, the organization has also advocated for environmental fairness due to ongoing worries about oil-related pollution and environmental damage in the affected areas.
The ceremony drew numerous notable figures, such as Dennis Otuaro, Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme; High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Chairman/CEO of Tantita Security Services Limited; Chief Lulu Briggs, Chairman of the INC Board of Trustees; Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, former President of INC; and Pere Stanley Perediegha Luke (Kalanama VIII), Vice Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, along with others.
Giving his final speech, former President, Professor Okaba, mentioned that one of the accomplishments of his leadership was taking back the INC from people who were accused of using the organization for their own benefits.
He stated: “We are here to acknowledge the entire Ijaw Nation for the support you provided during this time. In fact, we encountered INC in a critical state seven years prior to our involvement, and we achieved significant progress.”
By transitioning from sorrow to proactive involvement, the INC now enjoys global recognition. The INC has evolved into an international brand.
I feel the realization of a promise I made, which was to free the INC from those who believe the Ijaw Nation belongs to them… Today, the INC belongs to everyone because in Ijaw land, no one is more Ijaw than anyone else.
The INC is our group. No one tells the INC what to do. You may offer suggestions, certainly, but the leadership is accountable for making choices that serve the Ijaw people’s best interests.
Professor Okaba stated that his main goal was to properly hand over power to a newly elected democratic government.
The biggest aspiration I had was that, just as I was elected into power and entrusted with leading the affairs of the Ijaw Nation, I would pass the gavel on to someone chosen by the Ijaw people. This dream has been realized today.
After the transition, the former INC president called on the new leadership to continue efforts for constitutional changes impacting the Ijaw community, such as creating more states, increasing local government areas in Bayelsa, and striving for an independent Ijaw republic.
He stated: “I urge you today to proceed with some of the key initiatives from the 8th NEC… by utilizing the registration of INC as a member of the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples’ Council.”
Let the Constitution of the INC remain sacred. Do not stray from it as it serves as a guiding principle.
The Ijaw people should be united. At the same time, I urge you to view the Ijaw effort to gain more states and additional local government areas within Bayelsa State as a significant issue.
The Ijaw Republic has moved past the stage of being just a dream. It is now a reality… make sure that at some point in the future, the Ijaw people will have their own republic.
The Ijaw people can now tackle matters of resource management from a highly strategic perspective.
Soon after being sworn in with members of the new NEC, Chief Igbadiwei committed to addressing long-standing issues affecting Ijaw communities, such as political marginalization, environmental damage, and joblessness among young people.
He also acknowledged the supporters who helped with the change, particularly High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), whom he referred to as: “The leader, the father, and the eye of the Ijaw people.”
The incoming INC leader stated: “Our administration will concentrate on tackling the significant issues confronting the Ijaw people.”
INC is for everyone. We will extend our reach to all our friends and brothers who competed against us but did not win… united, we can create a stronger Ijaw nation.
Each policy and initiative will be evaluated based on a single question: does it enhance the lives and experiences of our citizens?
We will establish chances for learning contemporary skills, connecting with our neighbors and development allies, and achieving lasting, sustainable results that go beyond our era.
Chief Igbadiwei also promised to step up efforts towards establishing Toru-Ebe State and Oil River State, stating that new political institutions were needed to tackle the alleged neglect of the Ijaw people in certain regions.
He stated: “We will take the establishment of Toru-Ebe State and Oil River State to a logical end, in order to expand political opportunities and tackle the neglect of the Ijaw people, particularly in Edo and Ondo states.”
He also continued to push for more local government areas in Bayelsa State, contending that the existing framework restricts political and development prospects.
Bayelsa State, the sole homogeneous state and a source of our collective pride, remains confronted with a shrinking political, economic, and social environment.
Even with ongoing efforts, Bayelsa continues to have just eight local governments, while Kano State has 44. The local governments we are calling for should be at least 24, and not fewer.
The new INC leadership also called on the Federal Government to enforce the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding the boundaries of the Warri Federal Constituency.
Chief Igbadiwei stated, “We will not stay quiet in our efforts to ensure the Supreme Court’s ruling on boundary matters in the Warri Federal Constituency is implemented.”
In his final statements, he offered a gesture of peace to those who did not win the election, encouraging them to focus on shared goals rather than individual desires.
To our competitors, I call on all of you to be part of us as we collaborate to create the Ijaw nation we envision.” “The challenge that lies ahead will not be simple, but it will definitely be significant. Let history recall this generation as the one that brought together the Ijaw people and propelled them forward for good.
Additional members of the new NEC are Dr Felix Okubokeme Tuodolo, who serves as Vice President, HRM Dr Anyanate Kio as National Secretary, Mr Ikosomi Barry Ibarakumo as National Publicity Secretary, and Barrister Talent Brown as National Legal Adviser, along with other individuals.
For the new INC leadership, the shift in Warri seems to represent more than just a regular change in command. The speeches indicated a wider plan: renewed calls for resource control, restructuring, state formation, and greater political independence for the Ijaw people.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
