Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT: THE RISING WAVE OF ATTACKS AGAINST IJAW LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT – INC
IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS:
PRESS STATEMENT
THE RISING WAVE OF ATTACKS AGAINST IJAW LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT.
1. The Ijaw National Congress (INC), under the leadership of its President, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, expresses deep concern over the increasing spate of attacks targeted at prominent Ijaw sons and daughters holding strategic government positions. These attacks, largely driven by personal and small-group interests rather than the collective good of the Ijaw nation, threaten not only the progress of the individuals involved but also the credibility and reputation of the Ijaw people as a whole. More worrisome is the fact that majority of these campaigns of calumny, blackmail and manifestations of the evil pull-him-down syndrome are orchestrated, championed or sponsored by fellow Ijaws.
2. In recent times, we have witnessed a plethora of deliberate and well-coordinated, desperate and deadly efforts to discredit, malign and undermine key Ijaw leaders who have been making significant contributions to the development of Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Among those who have faced these unjustified attacks in recent times are:
(a) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).
(b) High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
(c) High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and his security company, Tantita Security Services Ltd.
These individuals have dedicated their efforts to improving the security, development, and overall welfare of Ijaws and the Niger Delta, yet they have become targets of slander, petitions, protestations, and other calculated schemes designed to discredit their work.
3. The latest victim of this troubling trend is Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who is now facing threats of mass protests, multiple petitions, and a smear campaign orchestrated to derail his administration. The INC strongly condemns these actions and warns that such internal sabotage is detrimental to the progress of the Ijaw people, and hence will not be tolerated.
4. These divisive attacks, often fueled by selfish interests rather than for the general good of Ijaw people, are putting the Ijaw nation in a negative light before the Nigerian government and the international community. If these malicious actions continue, they will only result in national and international political leadership sidelining Ijaw leaders in national and sub-national appointments. This will be a major setback for our people, who have fought tirelessly to gain this level of recognition and leadership roles in national and international affairs. The ripple effect of this character assassination on the general wellbeing of the Ijaw, can only be imagined.
5. The INC strongly believes and encourages Ijaws in all spheres of life to hold our leaders at all levels (community, council, state and national) accountable through more civilized and constructive engagement and criticism mechanisms, deploying the already well-established institutional frameworks existing at our community and the ethnic organization platforms. We will not sit idly by and watch unpatriotic individuals or groups dent our collective image and undermine the progress that has come to us at the cost of great sacrifices—including the blood of many Ijaw heroes. This is a serious warning to all those engaging in these dastardly and destructive acts.
6. It is important to emphasize that Dr. Ogbuku (like those mentioned earlier) has demonstrated outstanding leadership and performance as the Managing Director of the NDDC. His tenure has seen the implementation of numerous impactful projects, including:The “Light Up Niger Delta” campaign, which has delivered thousands of solar-powered streetlights across various communities in the region.Many ongoing Dredging and Land Reclamation Projects, Road Projects across the Niger Delta which is crucial for infrastructural and economic development. These community-driven projects are aimed at improving the standard of living across Ijaw land.
7. suffice to reiterate that while the INC fully supports calls for better governance and improved development across the region, we strongly oppose the use of blackmail, vilification, libelous propaganda, and violence as tools to achieve such demands. Constructive engagement and dialogue remain the best approaches to addressing concerns and advancing the interests of the Ijaw people.
8. We call on all well-meaning Ijaw sons and daughters to prioritize the collective interest of the Ijaw nation over personal or political rivalries. It is imperative that we stand united in defending and supporting our leaders who are making tangible contributions to the advancement of our people.
9. We also urge the Federal Government, the NDDC Board, and all relevant stakeholders to disregard any politically motivated petitions or attempts to discredit the leadership of Dr. Ogbuku and other Ijaw leaders. Instead, efforts should be directed towards strengthening the development agenda for the Niger Delta and ensuring that the region continues to benefit from its rightful share of national resources.
10. The Ijaw struggle has been marked by resilience, unity, and sacrifice. It is time to build upon our achievements rather than tear them down from within.
Signed:
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba
President,Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide
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)