Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT: RE: CRISIS IN ODIMODI FEDERATED COMMUNITY; CHAIRMAN’S RELEASE SPARKS FEAR OF LIFE AND UNREST
PRESS STATEMENT:
RE: CRISIS IN ODIMODI FEDERATED COMMUNITY: CHAIRMAN’S RELEASE SPARKS FEAR OF LIFE AND UNREST
Issued by Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, CEO of IduwiniVoice
June 3, 2025
Good day, my reading audience and gentlemen of the press.
My attention has been drawn to a recently circulated publication titled *”Crisis in Odimodi Federated Community: Chairman’s Release Sparks Fear of Life and Unrest,”* dated June 1, 2025 and published by one Metro Daily.
Permit me to expressly state that no single word in that very poorly crafted publication is true. It must be emphasized that Rt. Hon. Franc Enekorogha has never been an interested party in Odimodi Community Chairmanship or any other contention thereto, and he never visited Odimodi his paternal home for any involvement is such shameful endeavours.
As a well-read and exposed individual who amongst other ventures lead a media organisation that is dedicated to the unity, progress, and development of not just Communities in Odimodi land, Iduwini Kingdom, Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, but of Nigeria and Africa, I find the contents of the the publication grossly exaggerated, ill-motivated, and totally dangerous, especially in its casual promotion of narratives that may incite the Nigerian Military’s signature invasion against the land and people of Odimodi. Having said that, kindly stay with me as I take you on a point-by-point rebuttal to the assertions made, with emphasis on the need for maturity, accountability, and redirection of our collective energies towards more pressing and profitable communal needs.
1. Alleged Lockdown and Weapons Importation
The claim that the recently arrested and released Chairman of Odimodi Community, Mr. Newworld Endoro, imposed a three-hour forced lockdown to import weapons under cultural guise, is not only unsubstantiable but reckless. Such alarmist rhetoric, if not corrected, could easily lead to military invasion under the guise of national security. This is a dangerous joke taken too far, and it must be stopped now before we inflict irreversible damages to individuals and our communities, now or in the future. Surfice to say that Odimodi has been claimed to be a peaceful, hospitable, and law-abiding place that has worn government and companies’ peace awards for its abhorrence to criminality and violence.
2. Accusations Against Rt. Hon. Franc Enekorogha
The deliberate attempt to drag the name of Rt. Hon. Franc Enekorogha – a respected former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Burutu Federal Constituency – into this fabricated conflict is utterly evil and condemnable in the strongest term. His only “offence,” it seems, was choosing to visit his father’s land. To weaponize that simple, legitimate act in the said crisis fueled by nothing else but deep-seated vendatta and defence of personal egos is both counterproductive and disgraceful of the sponsors of that ill-pakaged publication.
3. Witness Intimidation and Threats to Lives
While I acknowledge the importance of justice in ‘sane cases’, I totally disagree with the idea that the entire community is under siege due to a few unverified claims. It is safe to categorically state there, both the families of promoters of this evil propaganda and indeed all indigenes of Odimodi are going about their normal business as I speak. Pilling accusations on an entire community weakens our collective credibility and makes our once respected communities of Odumimodi a laughing stock before the general public.
4. Bail Conditions and Judicial Confidence
The insinuation that the judiciary erred in granting bail to Odimodi Community Chairman is a baseless attack on a government institution on who’s strength even the accusers of Odimodi people hope to achieve their unachievable dream of sending their own kins to jail. In any case, what degree of justice or fulfilment will the incarceration of any Odimodi man serve the peddlers of these propaganda, should we care to introspect. The accusers must remember that it is their duty to prove their allegations beyond reasonable doubts and until proven otherwise before a competent judicial authority, Mr. Endoro and his co-travailers remain innocent of all charges. To suggest that this freedom is an existential threat to Odimodi Community, which still accepts him as their legitimate leader is not only defamatory but deeply irresponsible.
5. Ego and Vendatta Will Not Build but Destroy Odimodi
The current trajectory of internal crisis, public shaming, and smear campaigns is a betrayal of not just our founding fathers but of our future generations. We must let go of bitterness, unforgiveness, selfishness, ego, and embrace unity of purpose. The future of Odimodi and the entire Iduwini Kingdom depends on collective wisdom, not destruction flexing of personal muscles.
6. Misplaced Priorities and Squandered Energy
It is important to state here that similar frivolous and unfounded alarmist allegations are being levied against the distractors of the Newworld Endoro-led Odimodi Community leadership As well. Being very fitting description, they are all as factless and as utterly condemnable as the very dangerous allegations made in the referred publication. Rather than uniting and investing our financial, political, business, mental, and otherwise energies in these highly unproductive mudslinging and factionalization of our communities, which has brought nothing but slower pace of development, family hatred, pains, financial losses, and communal disgrace amongst the committee of communities around us, we should be channelling our efforts into advocacy, political advancement, and lobbying for developmental projects. Rather than fighting ourselves, we should be fighting for ourselves – against poverty, for the speedy construction of an all-season motorable road to connect Odimodi land to Warri city. The long-overdue Gbaregolor-Ogulagha road mapped to pass through Odimodi land, the Odimodi shoreline protection project, and Odimodi-Beniboye roads all lying fallow in the shelves of the NDDC should deserve our connections and community mobilisation capabilities. More education, political advancement, industrialisation of our farming and fishing potentials are more of Odimodi problems requiring our energies than fighting tooth-and-nails to either jail a brother or incite the government to invade Odimodi Communities like they’ve done to numerous ijaw communities, unjustifiedly so, just for the crumbs on the table.
Conclusion
I’m compelled to make this press statement to serve as both a call to conscience and a challenge to leadership. Those who claim to be acting in the best interest of Odimodi must stop inciting chaos under the guise of seeking justice. If we must raise our voices, let it be to demand hospitals, roads, schools, and environmental justice-not to amplify infighting that distracts us from real developmental issues. If we must raise funds through communal contributions, such should be for the purpose of funding trips to Delta State Government House in Asaba, NDDC Towers in Portharcourt, Local Content Tower in Yenagoa, SSDC Tower in Uyo, and of course, Federal Ministries in Abuja.
Here’s is demanding that all parties cease the continuation and spread of hostilities with inflammatory but unfounded propaganda and instead meet at the table of reason, accountability, and strategic progress.
If we claim to be leaders, let us such, not instigators of violence or chaos.
Let us build, not burn!
Signed:
Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie,
CEO, IduwiniVoice.
Press Statement
PRESS STATEMENT: THE IJAW NATION MUST REMAIN CALM, UNITED, AND STRATEGIC IN THE FACE OF RECENT POLITICAL DEFECTIONS – INC
PRESS STATEMENT:
THE IJAW NATION MUST REMAIN CALM, UNITED, AND STRATEGIC IN THE FACE OF RECENT POLITICAL DEFECTIONS
By Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress
1. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has observed with keen interest the recent gale of political defections across Nigeria and particularly in Bayelsa State, the epicentre of our national homeland.
While the INC, as a body, remains non-partisan and does not dictate the political choices of our people, we are deeply concerned about the implications of these rapid political realignments on the unity, stability, and long-term strategic interests of the Ijaw nation.
2. We acknowledge the wisdom of those who strongly believe that this move carries inherent dangers that could undermine the Ijaw’s political standing, especially in terms of contribution to a One-Party State, that could diminish their strategic leverage to negotiate between competing national parties, potentially making them politically captive to a single entity; the risk of internal division that could weaken collective action; the erosion of a distinct political identity, by aligning with the party that controls the federal government could be perceived as a dilution of the core Ijaw struggle, trading a principled stance for pragmatic gains and potentially causing ideological confusion.
3. We also fully appreciate the principled position of majority of our leaders who view this move as a strategic calculation, with implications for enhanced national integration; moving the Ijaw from the political periphery—often in opposition—into the center of federal power, a shift from being an “isolated island of opposition” to the “mainland of collaboration”, as this could end a period of political isolation and integrate the Ijaw more fully into Nigeria’s governing structure; a path to economic development, as proximity to the federal government is historically linked to the allocation of resources and projects. To these optimists the Ijaw nation could leverage this new alignment to attract critical federal infrastructure—such as roads, seaports, and power projects—to the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta, addressing long-standing developmental deficits and; that having direct political access for being part of the ruling party grants a seat at the table of national decision-making. This access could allow Ijaw leaders to influence policies directly affecting the region, from oil revenue derivation formulas to environmental regulations and security matters in the creeks, rather than protesting these issues from the outside.
4. In times of such political volatility, it is easy for emotions to run high and for our collective focus to be fractured. Therefore, we issue this statement to call for utmost calm, strategic thinking, and unwavering unity among all Ijaw people, regardless of political affiliation.a. A Call for Composure Over Reaction: We urge our sons and daughters, our leaders and followers, not to be swayed by the transient winds of political expediency. We must not allow these developments to create division, animosity, or internal conflict within our communities. The peace and stability of the Ijaw Nation are paramount and non-negotiable.
b. The Supremacy of the Ijaw Interest: The INC wishes to remind all Ijaw politicians that their primary allegiance is to the Ijaw people. Political platforms are vehicles for advancement, but the destination must always be the development, empowerment, and protection of the Ijaw national interest. We caution against actions that sacrifice our collective destiny on the altar of personal ambition or short-term gains.
c. Guarding Our Political Voice: History has taught us that our strength often lies in our ability to maintain a distinct and formidable voice in the Nigerian federation. We must be strategic and discerning, ensuring that our political choices do not lead to the erosion of our hard-earned political relevance or relegate us to the periphery of national decision-making.
d. Unity as Our Bedrock: Now, more than ever, we must close ranks. The INC will continue to provide a neutral ground for dialogue and engagement to ensure that the Ijaw nation emerges from this period stronger and more cohesive. We warn external forces against exploiting this situation to cause disharmony within our ranks.
The Ultimate Implication: A Test of Strategic Execution
5. In an unbiased assessment, the defection itself is less critical than what follows. The primary implication for the Ijaw nation is that it presents a high-stakes test of political skill. The benefits may not be automatic, and the risks may not be inevitable. The outcome hinges on whether Ijaw leadership can:
i. Achieve Internal Cohesion: Unify the various political factions within and outside the APC to present a solid, common front.
ii. Leverage Access Effectively: Convert the newfound proximity to power into tangible, lasting benefits for the Ijaw people, not just for a political class.
iii. Protect Core Interests: Ensure that the strategic identity and long-standing demands for equity and environmental justice are not silenced but are more effectively championed from within the system.
6. Let it be clear: The Ijaw nation is greater than any single political party or individual. Our journey for justice, equity, and fair inclusion in the Nigerian project is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, wisdom, and a united front.
7. The INC stands ready to guide and provide leadership through this period. We call on all Ijaw socio-cultural groups, youth organizations, women leaders, and traditional rulers to join hands in fostering understanding and a strategic approach to the current political realities.
The Ijaw spirit is unbreakable. Let us navigate this moment with the wisdom of our ancestors and the courage that defines us.
Long live the Ijaw Nation!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Prof. Benjamin Okaba,
President, Ijaw National Congress (INC)
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)