Press Statement
IYC PRESS STATEMENT: URGENT RESPONSE TO THE POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE IN RIVERS STATE
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 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
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)
Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT: BEING TEXT OF A PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY PROF. BENJAMIN OGELE OKABA, PRESIDENT, IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC),
IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (WORLDWIDE)
PRESS STATEMENT
BEING TEXT OF A PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY PROF. BENJAMIN OGELE OKABA, PRESIDENT, IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC),
DECLARATION OF A 3-DAY IJAW NATIONAL MOURNING OVER THE DEMISE OF LATE CHIEF, PA., SEN. EDWIN KIAGBODO CLARK, OON.
Date: February 18, 2025
Fellow Ijaw sons and daughters,
With a profoundly heavy heart, I address you today on behalf of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the entire Ijaw Nation to announce once again, the passing of our father, mentor, and leader, Late Chief, Pa., Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OON—a titan whose life was devoted to the struggle for justice, equity, and the advancement of the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large.
Chief E.K. Clark was more than a statesman; he was an institution. His towering presence in Nigeria’s political landscape for decades was one defined by fearless advocacy, unparalleled wisdom, and an unyielding commitment to the emancipation and development of our people. As an elder statesman, nationalist,Educationist, politician, human rights activist and foremost advocate of resource control, His voice resonated as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and oppressed, particularly in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.
Throughout his illustrious life, Chief Clark championed the cause of the Ijaw Nation and other ethnic minorities with unmatched dedication. His relentless pursuit of equity, justice, and development for the Niger Delta region remains an indelible mark in the annals of Nigerian history. He was a pillar of strength, a custodian of our heritage, and a symbol of the undying spirit of the Ijaw struggle.
In recognition of his immeasurable contributions and the immense void his departure has left in our hearts and in the collective soul of the Ijaw Nation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) hereby declares a solemn Three-Day Mourning Period, commencing midnight today from 00:00hrs on the 19th of February, 2025, and ending at midnight, 24:00hrs on the 21st of February, 2025.
During this period of mourning:
1. All Ijaw people, at home and in the diaspora, are enjoined to observe strict adherence to this declaration.
2. Ijaw flags across the world shall be flown at half-mast in all INC, IYC, IWC secretariats, government offices, and traditional institutions.
3. All forms of social and entertainment activities are to be at low key as a mark of respect for our departed father and hero
4. Special prayer sessions and solemn gatherings should be held across all Ijaw communities and organizations.
5. We encourage media houses to dedicate programs and tributes to honour the life and legacies of Chief Edwin Clark.
The INC calls upon all Ijaw traditional rulers, community leaders, women groups, youth groups, and associations to ensure full compliance with this period of mourning. We must stand united in grief, reflection, and commitment to upholding the ideals that Chief Clark tirelessly fought for.
As we mourn, let us also find strength in his legacy. Let us reaffirm our resolve to continue the struggle for justice, self-determination, and prosperity for our people. Chief Clark’s vision for the Ijaw Nation must not perish with his demise ; rather, it must inspire a renewed commitment to the cause of our collective emancipation.
May the soul of Late Chief, Pa., Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OON rest in perfect peace, and may his legacies endure for generations to come.
Long live the Ijaw Nation!
Long live the Niger Delta!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Signed:
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress (Worldwide)