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
Press Statement
NIGERIA AT 65: A SOLEMN REMINDER OF THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF JUSTICE AND SELF-DETERMINATION FOR THE IJAW NATION
PRESS STATEMENT:
October 1, 2025
NIGERIA AT 65: A SOLEMN REMINDER OF THE UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF JUSTICE AND SELF-DETERMINATION FOR THE IJAW NATION
By: Professor Benjamin Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress (INC)
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
On the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th year of political independence, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural and political organization of the Ijaw people, finds no serious cause for any grandiose celebrations, beyond appreciating God and providence for getting us together as one single political entity. Instead, this anniversary serves as a solemn and painful reminder of 65 years of internal colonialism, calculated marginalization, and the systemic expropriation of our wealth and rights.
For the Ijaw nation, the Nigerian project has been a story of broken promises and brazen injustice. While our land and waters have produced the oil and gas that have fueled the nation’s economy for decades, we have been rewarded with nothing but extreme poverty, environmental devastation, and political suppression. The much-celebrated unity of Nigeria remains a myth, built upon the foundation of our oppression.
Our stance is not one of mere grievance, but one grounded in historical fact and legal right. The Ijaw people, as distinct owners of a territory with pre-1914 treaties with the British Crown, never willingly surrendered our sovereignty. The Nigerian state, as it is constituted, has consistently violated the principles of true federalism upon which it was supposedly founded.
The recent political crisis in Rivers State, where the rights of an Ijaw son were trampled with federal acquiescence, is only the latest chapter in this long history of disrespect. It demonstrates a persistent pattern where the might of the state is deployed not for justice, but to subjugate the Ijaw will.
Furthermore, laws like the Land Use Decree, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are not instruments of reform but a continuation of the legalized plunder of our resources. Our environment remains a sacrifice zone, with oil spills and gas flaring destroying our ecosystem and livelihoods with impunity.
Given this reality, we have come to a definitive conclusion: the pursuit of justice within the current Nigerian framework is a futile endeavour. Our hope no longer resides within Therefore, on this 65th anniversary, we reiterate our commitment to the Global Awakening of the Ijaw Struggle for Self determination.
We hereby call upon the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and all global citizens of conscience, to take note of the plight of the Ijaw people. We invoke the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to legitimize our quest for self-determination. Our demand is for the right to manage our resources, protect our environment, and determine our political destinies.
Let it be clear: our quest is for justice, not secession by force. We shall pursue this cause through peaceful, strategic, and diplomatic means, as is our right under international law.
To the Nigerian State, our message is this: the Ijaw people can no longer be spectators in a nation built on our backs. The current structure is unsustainable. The time for a sincere national dialogue that addresses the fundamental issues of resource control, true federalism, and the rights of nationalities is long overdue.
Until that day of reckoning, do not expect us to celebrate an independence that has only deepened our chains.
Long live ljaw Ethnic Nation
Professor Benjamin Okaba
President,
Global Ijaw National Congress (INC).
Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT: INC COMMEND INEC FOR THE PROMPT REFUTAL OF THE REPORTED SUSPENSION OF WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY DELINEATION EXERCISE, INSIST THAT CONTINUOUS VOTERS’ REGISTRATION CANNOT BE DONE IN A CONSTITUENCY THAT HAS NO WARDS, POLING UNITS AND REGISTRATION AREAS
Issued by: Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global
Date: September 30, 2025
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) received great relief, the news of INEC official denial of an earlier report that sparked utter dismay and profound indignation, credited to INEC issuing a directive of the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), which porportedly suspended the Supreme Court-ordered delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency.
While we commend the INEC leadership for their swift reaction to an unpalatable news that had already fuelled discontent, we at the Ijaw National Congress condemn the insistence of the INEC to continue with the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise in a constituency that the Supreme Court judgement has abolished all existing Wards. It amounts to an attempt by the INEC to build a structure in the air. If we must ask, what is the driving force? Is there going to be an off-season election in the constituency this year?Even if there are, the Supreme Court was very unequivocal; FUTURE ELECTORAL ACTIVITIES MUST NOT BE CARRIED OUT UNTIL THE REDELINEATION EXERCISE IS COMPLETED. How difficult is that to understand? Let us be clear that ongoing CVR exercise in Warri Federal Constituency is unconstitutional, illegal, and a politically-motivated assault on the sanctity of our judiciary and the rights of the Ijaw people to equitable representation.
For the record, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not undertaking a voluntary exercise and hence, must act in total compliance with the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered on December 2, 2022. The CVR exercise is a rape on the ongoing fresh delineation process, in all terms and pretexts, and is nothing short of a subversion of the Rule of Law itself. It is a dangerous precedent that signals to the nation that court orders can be trifled with or partially obeyed when they do not serve the political interests of the powerful.
The Legal Implications of the foregoing is a descent into Constitutional Anarchy and:
1. Contempt of the Supreme Court: The insistence to go on with an illegitimate CVR exercise places INEC in an impossible position, indicating that institutions of government can choose to obey or disobey the highest court in the land clandestinely. By succumbing to the pressure of some poltical interest to continue to register voters under the abrogated unit and ward structure, INEC is effectively in contempt of the court it is constitutionally mandated to respect.
2. Erosion of INEC’s Independence: The action has shattered the perceived independence of INEC. It reveals that the commission’s operations can be arbitrarily tampered with by certain identified executive elements, thereby eroding public confidence in its capacity to conduct free and fair elections.
3. Violation of Voter Rights: The continuation of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) using the old, flawed, discredited, and disbanded units and ward structure is fraudulent, as it amounts to registering new voters into an unconstitutional framework, thereby perpetuating the very injustice the Supreme Court already corrected.
The Political Implications: A Recipe for Perpetual Conflict
INEC’s position is not a solution for peace but an invitation to lasting and persistent conflict in Warri. It is a blatant act of capitulation of those who seek to perpetuate a system of demographic dominance over the Ijaw people. The message from INEC and the Federal Government is clear: peaceful, lawful pursuit of justice through the courts is futile, while intimidation, unrest, and killings are rewarded.
We state unequivocally that the Ijaw people will not accept this injustice or further procrastination of INEC in concluding the delineation, a situation that has led to the loss of life in Iyara area of Warri already. We the Ijaws have pursued this matter through the proper legal channels for years and achieved a resounding victory at the Supreme Court. We will not stand by and allow that victory be stolen from us outrightly or subeltly by a boardroom by political jobbers and ethnic expansionists.
- Our Demand:
The Ijaw National Congress hereby demand the immediate completion of the fresh units and ward delineation process by INEC, in strict compliance with the Supreme Court order. Any further delay is unacceptable.
We call on the following stakeholders to take appropriate actions to forestall further attacks by the Itsekiris on Ijaws and Urhobos:
· The Presidency: To immediately prompt INEC to announce the results of their conpleted job and uphold the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.
· The National Assembly: To invoke its constitutional powers to summon the NSA and the INEC Chairman to explain their decision to continue registering voters in blatant subversion of a Supreme Court order.
· The International Community: To prevail on the Federal Government and INEC in order to abort their ill-motivated disregard for the Rule of Law and its implications for our democracy.
To the Ijaw nation, we urge calm but resolute vigilance. We are on the right side of the law and history. We shall explore and further deploy every legal, political, and diplomatic means available, to ensure that justice is not only served but is seen to be served.
The Supreme Court has spoken and clearly so; “there are NO electoral units and wards in Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State until the results of the concluded fresh delineation exercise are announced.” Let the will of the highest court in the land be done.
Signed,
Prof. Benjamin Okaba,
President,
Ijaw National Congress (INC), (Global)
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