Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT: JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI ON THE REPORT OF THE FIELD WORK ON THE FRESH DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL WARDS AND POLLING UNITS, AND THREATS TO PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF DELTA STATE, THIS 30TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025.
Being Text of a Joint Press Conference Issued by the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri on the Report of the Field Work on the Fresh Delineation of Electoral Wards and Poling Units, and Threats to Peace and Security in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, held on the 30th of April, 2025 in Warri.
1. Gentlemen of the press, this joint press conference was called by the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State consisting of Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas to state our joint position on the report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units as ordered by the Supreme Court and recent report of threat to peace and security arising from the fresh delineation.
2. COMMENDATION AND CALL ON INEC TO CONCLUDE THE FRESH DELINEATION BEFORE ANY FUTURE ELECTORAL ACTIVITY IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUPREME COURT ORDER
3. The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the steps taken so far towards complying with the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State.
4. We note that, in a bid to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court order, the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality filed multiple suits in different Divisions of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
However, INEC has demonstrated its commitment and respect for the rule of law by taking necessary steps to comply with the Supreme Court order on the fresh delineation.
5. In this respect, we welcome the release of the report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation by INEC. We further note that, the report of the fieldwork by INEC confirms the obvious fact on ground, which is that, the Ijaws constitute the majority population in Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, while the Urhobos constitute the majority population in Warri South Local Government Area. We commend INEC for standing by the truth and justice.
6. We therefore call on INEC to complete the process of the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency and release its final decision without further delay.
7. It is the position of the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri that, there should not be any electoral activity including registration of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency without completion of the fresh delineation as ordered by the Supreme Court. Our position is predicated on the ground that, without completion of the fresh delineation exercise, there are no existing electoral wards and polling units upon which any electoral activity can be predicated upon, including registration of voters.
OUR POSITION ON THE ITSEKIRI CALL FOR THE USE OF VOTERS REGISTER TO CARRY OUT THE FRESH DELINEATION
8. The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri note the agitation of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality against the report of the field work on the basis that, the register of voters which existed before the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation ought to be used as a basis to carry out the fresh delineation.
9. We equivocally oppose the agitation for the use of non-existent register of voters as basis to carry out the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The agitation is against the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Guidelines dated the 21st day of March, 2024 and the essence of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The primary consideration for the delineation of electoral wards and polling units is the population quota/number of inhabitants and other physical consideration of the areas concerned.
10. Furthermore, it is our position that, based on the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of wards and polling units, there is no longer any existing register of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency upon which any activity can be predicated upon. We therefore urge INEC to stick to the law and its Guidelines and not to succumb to the Itsekiri blackmail and misleading agitations to rely on register of voters. The field work carried out by INEC and other existing public records clearly revealed the majority population status of the Ijaws and Urhobos in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South LGAs respectively.
11. Furthermore, the register of voters was not one of the items considered during the field work on the fresh delineation. Also, the Itsekiris have not complained that any of their communities or settlements was omitted in the report of the fieldwork presented by INEC. It therefore means that, the Itsekiri voter register based agitation against the INEC field work report is baseless and lacks any legal foundation.
THREAT TO PEACE IN THE WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF DELTA STATE AND NIGER DELTA REGION
12. The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri were shocked by the report of the arrest of persons, including a serving British Army Officer for illegally bringing in arms to instigate unrest in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, so as to truncate the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. A Traditional Ruler in the Warri Federal Constituency and its close aides were allegedly involved and the said persons have not denied the report several days thereafter.
12. We note that, the Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri were the primary target of those behind this dastardly act of stockpiling of arms. We therefore, commend the proactive efforts of the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) and sister security forces that carried out the covet operations leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
13. The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri call for detailed investigation and prosecution of the those behind this act of terrorism, irrespective of the position and class of the persons involved. We demand that, under no circumstances should this matter be swept under the carpet considering its grave implications on regional and national security.
14. The office of the National Security Adviser is called upon to be transparent in the investigation and prosecution of the culprits. We demand that the Nigerian people, especially the people and residents of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State deserve to have an official reaction from the government of Nigeria on the issue of illegal stockpiling of arms to instigate crisis in Warri.
ITSEKIRI ATTEMPT TO INSTIGATE CRISIS AND BLACKMAIL INEC AND GOVERNMENT
15. The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri note the desperate attempts by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality to blackmail the Nigerian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out the delineation on their terms and trying to instigate crisis in Warri. The Itsekiris have done this through attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations in some parts of Delta State, persistent media attacks on INEC and instigating some Yoruba Groups to issue reckless press statements.
16. The Ijaws and Urhobos call on the Nigerian government to consider the attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations as a result of compliance with the order of the Supreme Court as an act of terrorism and bring the perpetrators to justice. We state that, Nigeria is not a Banana Republic where the orders of the Supreme Court would be obeyed at the pleasure and on the conditions of an ethnic group. All persons and authorities including the Federal Government is bound by the orders of the Supreme Court on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. Therefore, any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the judgment by attempting to attack national assets should be regarded as a threat to national security and the perpetrators brought to justice.
17. We condemn the reckless statement issued by some purported Pan Yoruba Groups where they threatened the peace and security of the Niger Delta region as a result of the Supreme Court ordered delineation. We are aware that all these threats are the desperate actions of some Itsekiri leaders and should be ignored by the government.
18. We also call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu not to allow its office to be blackmailed by the Itsekiris in their desperate attempt to truncate the Supreme Court ordered delineation. Any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on the fresh delineation is a direct invitation to anarchy by whoever that is involved. The Presidency must distant itself from any such act and allow INEC to carry out its functions in line with section 160 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as an independent agency of the federal government.
19. The Federal Government should be reminded that the relocation of the Headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Area from Ogbe-Ijoh to Ogidigben, which was instigated by the Itsekiris led to the fratricidal war in Warri from 1997 to 2003 which snowballed into the Niger Delta crisis. Therefore, we warn against any attempt to change the Ijaw and Urhobo majority status in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South Local Government Areas, respectively as revealed by the INEC report of its field work on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.
SIGNED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI:
IJAW:
1. HON. DENBO-DENBOFA OWEIKPODOR
2. COMRADE SHERIFF MULADE
3. HON. (CHIEF) ARTHUR AKPODUBAKAYE
4. JOEL BISINA, PhD
5. COMRADE EMMANUEL IGETEI
URHOBO:
1. CHIEF JOHN ERANVOR
2. CHIEF WESTHAM ADEHOR, JP
3. OLOROGUN VICTOR OKUMAGBA, JP
4. HON. MARK IKPURI
Being Text of Press Statement Issued By Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, in the Aftermath of the 2025 Ijaw National Day Celebrations
I am delighted to share with the Ijaw Nation and the general public the report on the Ijaw National Day Celebrations 2025, which took place from June 26th to 29th, 2025. The annual event is an avenue to showcase the rich culture of the Ijaw people.
Highlights of the celebrations are as follow:
Day One (1) – Thursday 26th June
The programme started on Thursday, 26th of June, 2025, at the respective Zones and Chapters, with Prayer Time, Unity Walk, Cultural Displays and Goodwill Messages. The address of Mr. President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba ‘Consolidating on the Gains of Constructive Engagement in the Ijaw Quest for Self-determination’, was presented by leaders in the respective zones and chapters.
Day Two (2) – Friday 27th June
The Headquarters of INC, Ijaw House, played host to delegates from the zones and chapters, and the general public, as the Art Exhibition of the Ijaw Nation featured in the 2nd day of the celebration. However, before the exhibition, a pep-talk on the Ijaw language counting system (presented by Pa Bozegha Whyte) was introduced, as part of the day’s activities. The Art Exhibition included Ijaw Art/History, Ijaw Cuisine, Skills, Photographic Exhibition of Ijaw Heroes/Heroines in various fields of endeavour, who have made significant contributions to the progress of the Ijaw Nation. Corporate Social Responsibility Showcase also featured in this event, with business owners displaying their goods.
Day Three (3) – Saturday 28th June
The 3rd day was in two sessions – morning and evening sessions.
Activities lined up for the morning session, which started from 9am to 3pm, included Children’s Cultural Fashion Parade, Language Quiz, Essay Writing and Traditional Outdoor Games. Students from six schools partook in the fashion parade, quiz and essay competitions.
Simultaneously, participants of the traditional outdoor games of epele, apodo and akoko thrilled the audience with their outstanding performances. A Cultural Troupe from the Eastern Zone, Street Icons of Port-Harcourt entertained the audience, displaying the rich cultural dance steps of the Ijaw Nation.
The evening session, Gala/Awards Night, began at 6:30pm, with the opening address of the Chairman of the Occasion, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, after the welcome address by Mr. President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba. A documentary on ‘Ijaw Self-Determination Agenda: The Journey So Far’ was in display, to bring to light the efforts made so far.
The highpoint of the occasion was the Special Appreciation and Recognition of illustrious Ijaw sons and daughters who have made outstanding impacts to the growth of the Ijaw Nation. The under-listed are the recipients of the awards.
List of Award Recipients of Ijaw National Recognition.
1. Senator Douye Diri – Governor of Bayelsa State
2. HIM Pere (Barr.) Zachaeus Doubra Egbunu, JP – Agadagba of Arogbo Kingdom
3. HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV – Ebenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom
4. HE General Bright Ateke Fibonumama (Rtd), JP – Obeamumuodo of Abuloma Kingdom
5. HRM King (Adm) Goddy Idaminabo, CON – Amayanabo of Kala Ogoloma Kingdom
6. Chief Joshua B. Fumudoh – First elected President of INC
7. Hon. Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi – Member Representing Bayelsa West
8. Teinbo Saturday Seliyefubara Jack-Rich – Chairman, Belema Oil Producing Nig. Ltd
9. Gesi Asamowei – Chairman, Pelfaco Nigeria Ltd
10. Dr. Felix Tuodolo – First President of IYC
11. Prof. Steve Azaiki – Chairman, Steve Azaiki Foundation
12. Mrs Rosemary Naingba Oduone – Founder, Ijaw Women Connect
13. Prof. Christopher Ogolo Ikporukpo – 2nd VC of Niger Delta University (First University in Ijaw Land)
14. Dr. Tano Dumoyei Agusomu – Head of Geography Dept, NDU, Amassoma, Head of Ijaw Map Technical Team
15. Surv. Victor Tupere George, MNIS – Geography Dept, NDU, Amassoma, Member of Ijaw Map Technical Team
16. Barrister Smooth – Famous Ijaw Musical Activist
17. Ovieteme George – Foremost Ijaw Journalist
18. Coach Monday Sinclair – Former Nigerian National Team Coach
19. Ijaw Women United for SIM
The audience was spectacularly entertained by the Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe and Barrister Smooth (the Paddle of the Niger Delta).
Day Four (4) Sunday 29th – Thanksgiving Service
The programme was concluded with a Thanksgiving Service at Royal House of Grace, Yenagoa by 11am. NEC, CITRE/NRC Leadership, Central Zone Exco and Clan Chairmen, 2025 Ijaw National Day Celebration Committee Members were in attendance.
Thank you
Prof. Benjamin Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global
Press Statement
Coastal Resilience, Policy, and Governance: Implications for Economic and Environmental Sustainability in Ijawland.
Being an Address by Prof. Benjamin O. Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, on the Occasion of the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit, at Nice, France, on the 7th of June, 2025.
His Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring felicitations from the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people, one of the four largest ethnic nationalities of Nigeria.
I stand before you today on the occasion of the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit 2025 (holding in Nice, France) to address a critical issue that affects our very essence and existence as a people: As the President of the Ijaw National Congress, I consider it important to highlight the implications of these issues for economic and environmental sustainability in Ijaw Land, at this important platform.This is inspite of our natural endowment experience as master mariners.
The Ijaw Reality
As an indigenous nation living in the Niger Delta, we are no strangers to the devastating impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and oil pollution. Our people have borne the brunt of extractive exploitation, with our lands, waters, and ecosystems scarred by decades of neglect and abuse since 1956/1958, when oil and gas was first discovered in commercial quantities in Oloibiri in Ogbia Local Government Area of the present Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Rising sea levels, ocean surges, and flooding events threaten our very existence.
The Challenges We Face
Ijaws occupy over 60% of the entire Nigeria coastline, from the literal indigenous ljaw communities on Akwa lbom, Rivers Delta, Ondo, and Lagos States in Nigeria. Infact ,the ocean and it’s divers marine and it’s acquatice resources defines the ljaw identity livelihood systems and heritage Our communities are on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, storm surges, and environmental degradation. The impacts are far-reaching, from damage to infrastructure and livelihoods to threats to our very way of life. We have seen our mangrove forests, a vital component of our ecosystem, being destroyed, and our fisheries being depleted. Our people are struggling to cope with the loss of their livelihoods and the degradation of their environment.
The Impact on Our Economy
The impact of climate change and environmental degradation on our economy is significant. Our fisheries, agriculture, and tourism sectors are all vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The damage to our infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, is also a significant concern. We need to take immediate action to mitigate these impacts and ensure the long-term sustainability of our economy, but not without support from the national and international communities.
The Importance of Coastal Resilience
Coastal resilience is critical to the survival of our communities. We need to take a proactive approach to managing our coastal resources, protecting our infrastructure, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting ecosystem-based adaptation, and supporting climate-resilient livelihoods.
Our Demands
We demand that policymakers and stakeholders at national and international levels prioritize coastal resilience, policy, and governance that supports the needs of our communities through the instrumentality of:
1. Integrated Coastal Management: Developing plans that balance economic, environmental, and social objectives. We need to ensure that our coastal management plans are integrated, inclusive, and sustainable.
2. Climate Change Adaptation: Supporting initiatives that help us adapt to the impacts of climate change. We need to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, promote ecosystem-based adaptation, and support climate-resilient livelihoods.
3. Community Engagement: Ensuring that our communities are actively involved in decision-making processes. We need to ensure that our communities are at the forefront of decision-making and that their voices are heard.
4. Leveraging on Indigenous Knowledge and Technology: We need to review and update the existing indigenous capacities to be able to meet up with current challenges.lnfact a bottom -up approach is most promising.
Our Call to Action
We call upon the global community to recognize the unique challenges faced by coastal communities like ours. We seek solidarity, not charity. Coastal resilience must be built on justice, equity, and the recognition of our rights as indigenous peoples. We demand:
1. Direct access to climate finance for subnational entities and local communities.
2. A UN Convention for the Conservation of River Deltas, recognizing the specific needs and challenges of deltaic regions.
3. Technological partnerships to support our efforts in mangrove restoration, early warning systems, and integrated coastal zone management.
4. South-South cooperation between deltaic states, sharing knowledge and best practices.I would advise that the Governors of Akwa lbom, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, Ondo and Lagos States should domesticate the ideals of the Global initiative for the fight against the menance of Climate Change and collaborate amongst themselves as regional partners and collaborate with the relevant international agencies. Systemic climate adaptation and environment integrity would be easier actualized with dignity.
We call upon all stakeholders to join us in this effort. Let us work together to build a more resilient and sustainable future for Ijawland. We will not be deterred by the challenges we face. We will rise, and we will thrive. We need to take immediate action to address the impacts of climate change, promote sustainable development, and protect our environment.
Our Commitment
The INC reaffirms our commitment to building resilience, providing sustainable development and protecting the right of the people This position is it n line with our persistent resolve on Self determination and control of our God given Water and Land resources. We are committed to promoting the interests of our people and protecting our environment. We will continue to advocate for policies and practices that support our communities and ensure a sustainable future. We will work with policymakers, stakeholders, and our communities to develop and implement effective coastal management plans, support climate change adaptation initiatives, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to emphasize that coastal resilience, policy, and governance are critical to the survival and prosperity of our communities. We need to take a proactive approach to managing our coastal resources, protecting our infrastructure, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. I urge all stakeholders to join us in this effort and to work together towards a more resilient and sustainable future for Ijaw Land.
Thank you.
Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT: OFFFICE OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL COORDINATOR, IJAW STUDY GROUP (ISG) INTERNATIONAL
Date: June 3,2025
RE: Misguided Assertions in Kabowei Akamande’s “ ” Purities and Impurities: Discourse on Ijaw Leadership” Lecture – Setting the Records Straight
The attention of the Ijaw Study Group (ISG) has been drawn to a recent lecture titled “Purities and Impurities: Discourse on ijaw Leadership” delivered by Mr. Kabowei Akamande during the 2025 Isaac Adaka Boro Day held in the United Kingdom.
While we acknowledge and welcome critical reflections on the state of Ijaw affairs, we must categorically reject the misleading claims and poorly researched assertions directed at the INC and its current leadership.
1. On Allegation of Decaying Leadership:
Mr. Akamande opens with a sweeping dismissal of the present-day Ijaw leadership, accusing it of being compromised and ineffective. We consider this not only ahistorical but deeply uninformed. The INC under Professor Okaba has actively defended the interests of the ijaw people through relentless advocacy, consistent community engagement, and robust policy positioning. Accusing the leadership of capitulation without offering verifiable evidence is a disservice to those who have risked reputation and comfort for the cause of ijaw survival.
2. On the INC’s Response to the Fubara Political Crisis:
It is patently false to claim that the INC and its President were silent during the political crisis involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara. From issuing prompt and unambiguous press statements to participating in street protests and granting multiple national and international interviews, Professor Okaba and the INC stood firmly against unconstitutional attempts to unseat Ijaw-born Governor of Rivers State. We challenge Mr.Akamande or any objective observer to produce evidence contradicting this assertions that are sufficiently in the pubic domain.
3. On Claims of Lack of Revolutionary Leadership:
Contrary to Mr. Akamande’s claims, Professor Okaba’s leadership has been measured, strategic, and deeply committed to sustainable action-not performative louting. The INC understands that meaningful leadership is not about noise but results.it was through behind-the scenes consultation, engagement with other ethnic nationalities, and peace-building interventions that the INC helped de-escalate tensions while affirming the will of the people.
4. On Youth and Generational Dynamics:
The attempt to discredit an entire generation of ijaw leadership as lacking backbone or courage is a dangerous generalization. Under Professor Okaba , the INC has broadened its leadership inclusion structure, bringing young voices into its executive and policy platforms. Leadership in this era is not about age; it is about capacity, commitment, and community trust. If Mr. Akamande is truly concerned about youth relevance. He is welcome to contribute constructively through engagement rather than grandstanding.
5. On the Role of “Made Ijaw Men”:
Mr. Akamande’s lecture fails to interrogate the silence of powerful Ijaw elites during the political upheaval. The question remains: Where do these “made Ijaw men” when the INC stood alone in many battles? Leadership is a collective task, not a spectator sport. The INC President has not only shown up but has stayed standing, often without the support of those with means and influence. Casting blame on the who bears the weight of responsibility while others retreat is both unfair and intellectually dishonest.
6. Commercial and Industrial INC:
On the subject of Commercial and Industrial INC, one is somewhat compelled to state that better and adequate knowledge is required for anyone to delve into an area such as this. This is premised on the fact that the INC has but only very limited resources to run it’s affairs at the moment.
To address this issue of Commercialization and Industrialization of the INC, the leadership organized a meeting in January 2024 to plan a Summit that would bring together key stakeholders from the Political and Business sectors in Ijaw Land. A team, led by the INC President, was tasked with meeting the Governor of Bayelsa State, which was indeed held, to discuss potential collaborations. The outcome of this meeting is still pending.
The emphasis is on the importance of careful planning and adequate knowledge in tackling complex issues, highlighting the need for a well-organized Summit with clear plans. It also underscores the INC leadership’s role as servants of the Ijaw Nation, drawing strength from the Community, Clan and Zone, including individuals like Kabowei Akamande and his network.
Of a truth, adequate knowledge is required before speaking on such important matters, lest the whole effort would packed in sensational baskets rather than meaningful ventures.
Except such well thought out and organized Summit takes place and comes up with very astute and clear cut plans, the INC alone cannot do everything on its own. The Leadership of the INC are only leading the people of Ijaw Nation by service. Emphatically speaking – the people at the helms of affairs in the INC draw their strength from the generality of the Ijaws.
Conclusion:
The Ijaw National Congress reiterates its openness to constructive criticism, but such critique must be rooted in facts and respect for the truth. Mr. Kabowei Akamande’s lecture, though well-packaged in tone, lacked the rigorous engagement and factual basis necessary for serious public discourse. Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba remains a pillar of principled leadership and will continue to serve the Ijaw Nation with clarity, courage, and conviction.
We encourage well-meaning Ijaw sons and daughters to rise above sensational commentary and instead join hands in building the future we desire.
Signed:
Kemegha Albert,
Ijaw Study Group (ISG) International.