Press Statement
IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC) CONGRATULATES GOV. DOUYE DIRI ON HIS EMERGENCE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS’ FORUM
PRESS STATEMENT
IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC) CONGRATULATES GOV. DOUYE DIRI ON HIS EMERGENCE AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS’ FORUM
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) World-wide, who doubles as the Chairman of Conference of Presidents-General of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (which includes Urhobo, Itshekiri, Ogoni, Ikwerre, Isoko, Ibibio, Efik, Ndukwa etc) has, on behalf of the Ijaw Nation and the people of the entire Niger Delta region, extended very warm congratulations to the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, on his well-deserved emergence and elevation to the position of Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum.
This development, announced following a meeting of the South-South Governors held at the Government House, Yenagoa (28/1/25) underscores the confidence and trust reposed in Governor Diri by his counterparts came as a pleasant news to all Ijaw people and of course south southerners. We want to equally commend the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori, who moved the motion and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara for seconding the motion for his nomination, as we all together expect nothing short of era of progress and unity in the South-South region under Sen. Diri’s leadership.
We at the INC commend the Governors for their collective commitment to the development of the South-South region, as evidenced by the communique issued after the meeting, which includes resolutions like:
1. Appeal for Coastal Road Project: “Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for commmencing the Coastal Road project, the INC aligns with the governors’ call for work to commence from the Calabar axis. However, we urge that construction begins simultaneously across all six South-south states through which the Coastal Road runs, ensuring equitable development for Ijaw people and other residents. We call on the governors to explore subventions from their Excess Crude Account accruals to facilitate this process.
2. Completion of the East-West Road: The INC joins the governors in calling for the speedy completion of this critical infrastructure project.
3. Environmental Remediation: The extension of ongoing remediation efforts in Ogoni land to other polluted areas in the region must be prioritized.
4. Regional Security Network: We support the establishment of a South-South Regional Security Network to address rising security concerns.
5. VAT Sharing Formula: The call for the extension of the VAT sharing formula to replicated in the oil and gas derivations should be pursued through legislative action, by through a South south Governors jointly sponsored Bill, if necessary.
Additionally, the INC calls on the South-South Governors’ Forum to prioritize:
* Sponsoring and influencing Bills for the creation of Toru-ebe State from Delta, Edo, and Ondo States, and Oil Rivers State from Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
* Establishing a Regional Independent Power Project to ensure stable electricity across the region.
* Developing a Regional Oil Refinery, Railway Network, Sea Ports, and a Large-Scale Ocean Fishing and Farming Consortiums to boost economic diversification and job creation.
We totally align ourselves with all these demands, which we had echoed and re-ecohed in our position papers on *the state of the nation and the Niger Delta**
The Ijaw National Congress remains optimistic that under Governor Diri’s leadership, the South-South Governors’ Forum will make significant strides toward achieving these developmental goals.
We reiterate our unwavering support for the new Chairman and the entire Forum, urging them to unite across party boundaries in addressing the challenges facing the South-South region.
The leadership of the Ijaw Nation and other South-South ethnic nationalities are willing and determined to cooperate or partner with the South-South Governors Forum for the actualisation of our collective dreams for a more united, peaceful, progressive and prosperous South-South region, that is so blessed with natural resources that has contributed immensely to the growth and development of this nation.
Signed,
Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba,
President, Ijaw National Congress World-wide
January 28, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE
March 19, 2025
My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir, Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE LEADERSHIP OF IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) EASTERN ZONE.
4th March, 2025.
URGENT RESPONSE TO THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE IN RIVERS STATE
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Eastern Zone expresses deep concern over the current tense political situation in Rivers State, following the recent Supreme Court judgment nullifying the election of local government council chairmen. This decision has created an environment ripe for manipulation by those who do not have the best interests of Rivers State or the Ijaw nation at heart.
We are aware of alarming plans by certain elements to destabilize Rivers State and undermine the mandate given to our elected officials. The purported 48-hour ultimatum issued to the Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, by the defected Martins Amawhule-led House of Assembly to present the 2025 budget is a clear indication of an orchestrated effort to create chaos and potentially impeach the governor. This is not only an attack on our leadership but also an affront to the will of the Rivers people who have entrusted their governance to one of our own.
The IYC firmly warns that we will not stand by and allow detractors to steal this mandate. We are committed to defending our rights and ensuring that the voices of the Ijaw people are heard and respected.
We call upon the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the National Security Adviser to intervene immediately and halt the ongoing madness that threatens to plunge Rivers State into an avoidable crisis. Such instability could have severe repercussions, not only for our state’s governance but also for crude oil production and energy security, which are vital to the national economy.
It is crucial that we work together to maintain peace and stability in Rivers State. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and collaboration over conflict.
Let us not allow the ambitions of a few to jeopardize the future of our state and its people which will further endanger the economy of this country, because any attempt to stop Rivers State Allocation which will cause hardships to innocent civil servants and also reduce the speedy developmental projects implementation by the Rivers State government will definitely have negative effect on the economy of this country, as Ijaw people we will not fold our hands and allow the continued political marginalization of our own.
If Rivers State is starved of its economic right because of one who want to monopolize Rivers State economy we will also starve the economy of Nigeria.
Signed.
Comrade Prince Datolu Sukubo.
Chairman IYC Eastern Zone.
Comrade Tamunokuro Dango
Secretary IYC Eastern Zone.
Amb. Odia Igbikis
Information officer
IYC Eastern Zone.
Press Statement
Press Statement: Postponement of Ijaw Cultural Day & Award Event in Honour of Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark – Ijaw National Congress (INC)
Press Statement: Postponement of Ijaw Cultural Day & Award Event in Honour of Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark – Ijaw National Congress (INC)
Date: Feb., 20, 2023.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) wishes to formally announce the postponement of the scheduled Ijaw Cultural Day & Award Event in honour of our revered leader and elder statesman, Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, following his recent passing.
As a father figure, beacon of wisdom, and tireless advocate for the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta, Pa. Clark’s contributions to our people’s progress and unity are immeasurable. His legacy will forever remain a guiding light for future generations.
In deep respect and recognition of his lifelong commitment to the Ijaw cause, the INC has also extended the official mourning period from three (3) days to seven (7) days. This extension allows the Ijaw nation and its allies adequate time to reflect on his remarkable life and mourn this profound loss appropriately.
New dates for the Ijaw Cultural Day & Award Event will be communicated in due course. In the meantime, we urge all Ijaw sons and daughters to observe the extended mourning period which will now end by midnight of February 25, 2025, with the dignity and reverence that Pa. Clark’s memory deserves.
In due course, the National Executive Council of the lNC shall constitute a NATIONAL BURIAL COMMITTEE that will closely work with the Late Pa Clark family and friends of the family, Community, government at all levels and interest groups across the globe to accord him a well deserved burial.
May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire unity, progress, and justice within the Ijaw nation.
Signed:
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba,
President
Ijaw National Congress (INC)