News
Prof. Okaba Urged Democratic Rebirth on June 12: Democracy Without Justice is Hypocrisy “
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa – June 12, 2025. As Nigeria marks June 12, the day set aside to commemorate the country’s democratic struggles and the historic 1993 presidential election, the National President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has called for a deep and urgent reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy.
In a powerful statement released to the press early this morning, Prof. Okaba began by acknowledging the symbolic weight of the day but cautioned that symbolism alone was no longer enough.
“On this June 12, a day that symbolises Nigeria’s long and often painful March toward democracy, I believe it is important that we reflect not just on the symbolism of the day but on the substance of democratic practice in our country,” he said.
Prof. Okaba described June 12, 1993, as a landmark moment when the will of the Nigerian people was freely expressed but ultimately suppressed.
“June 12 represents the hope and mandate of the Nigerian people, freely expressed in the 1993 elections, and the betrayal of that mandate by anti-democratic forces, But over three decades later, we must ask ourselves: Have we truly moved forward – or merely replaced one form of authoritarianism with another dressed in electoral clothing?
Taking a firm stance, he asserted that Nigeria’s democratic failings are not due to the absence of of elections, but rather the absence of core democratic values.
“Nigeria’s democracy is floundering, not because we lack elections, but because we lack justice, accountability, and true federalism.”
Prof. Okaba cited the centralisation of power, institutional corruption, repression of dissent, electoral fraud, and the continued marginalization of minority ethnic groups-especially those in the Niger Delta-as I dictators that Nigeria is suffering from “a democracy in name only.”
Turning the spotlight on the Ijaw Nation’s historical role in the struggle for justice he invoked the memory of iconic Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro.
“For us the *Ijaw Nation,* June 12 also reminds us of the struggles of our own heroes-men like *Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro,and other freedom fighters who stood for emancipation and justice, long before Nigeria was ready to hear it,” he said.
Despite the Ijaw people’s vital contributions to the national economy through oil and gas resources, Prof. Okaba lamented the region’s continued marginalization and neglect.
“Today, our people continue to suffer and grovel under the crumbling weight of exploitation, environmental devastation, and political exclusion despite contributing massively to the nation’s wealth.”
He drew attention to what he described as clear political imbalance in the current administration.
“Are you not surprised that the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria with over 10 federal constitiencies has only one minister in President Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council?”
Prof. Okaba concluded his statement with a clarion call for a democratic reset grounded in equity and inclusion.
“So, my comment on this day is simple: *Nigeria must renegotiate its democracy.* Not in empty constitutional amendments and empty rthetorics, but in a genuine restructuring of power, resource control, inclusivity and the respect for the rule of law.”
In a final a final indictment of the nation’s democratic conditions, he wanted:
“Democracy without justice is hypocrisy. And justice, for the Ijaw Nation and for all Nigerians, must begin now.”
The INC President’s statement adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for not just the celebration of democracy, but it’s renewal and realignment to the will and welfare of all Nigerians-especially the historically marginalized.
News
GOV OBOREWORI BOOSTS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS WITH 65 LAND CRUISERS TO STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS PEACE
By: Divine Perezide
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has handed over 65 brand new Toyota Land Cruisers to traditional rulers across the state in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, peacebuilding, and rural security coordination.
Presenting the vehicles in Asaba, the state government said the gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the strategic role traditional institutions play in maintaining social stability, mediating communal disputes, and fostering collaboration between communities and government agencies.
The governor described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in sustaining harmony in rural areas, noting that enhanced mobility would enable quicker engagement with communities, faster response to emerging tensions, and closer cooperation with security operatives.
“This intervention is part of our people-centered leadership approach. It is a deliberate effort to build lasting peace and sustain the achievements of our MORE Agenda,” Governor Oborevwori stated, emphasizing that development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace.
Government officials explained that the vehicles would improve accessibility across difficult terrains, enable traditional leaders to attend to community matters more efficiently, and reinforce the interface between grassroots institutions and the state.
Stakeholders have commended the initiative as timely, especially as many rural communities rely heavily on traditional institutions for conflict resolution, cultural administration, and early warning mechanisms in times of tension.
With the distribution of the Land Cruisers, the Oborevwori administration says it remains committed to deepening rural engagement, strengthening local leadership structures, and advancing its peace-building framework across Delta State.
IduwiniVoice
By: Derick Peretengboro
Port Harcourt, 12 January 2026 — A Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to political actors in Rivers State to end the ongoing crisis that has deeply affected governance and public confidence in the oil-rich state.
Headed by Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, the Committee was inaugurated on 12th January 2026 to “explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end,” a crisis, the Committee noted, that “has persisted for too long.”
In a statement at the inauguration, Chief Agabi said the Committee was privileged to serve and expressed gratitude to God and PANDEF leadership, particularly Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, former Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass. The statement described Sir Diete Spiff as “a man whose commitment to the South-South and the nation as a whole has never been in doubt,” adding that “it is the sacrifices of men like him that bequeathed the States of the South-South to the people of that area.”
Highlighting the gravity of the state’s political stand-off, the Committee warned that continuing conflict could erode confidence in the political actors’ commitment to the “interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation.”
Using a local proverb to caution against self-destructive disputes, the statement urged caution: “Let the parties involved not be as the Clam and the Oyster … The fisherman picked them up, took them home and made a nice fine meal of Clam and Oyster. May it not be with Rivers State as it was with the Clam and the Oyster.”
Chief Agabi expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved without external intervention, arguing that “the parties to this dispute are one people who began as one” and urging humility: “If they have now offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologize and to forgive. It is in forgiving that true greatness can be found.”
The Committee called for goodwill and prayer, countering the often-held view that religion has no place in politics. The statement read: “The misconception that God has no place in our politics has harmed and continues to harm the nation … Whether we are governors or ministers or legislators … it is to God that we owe our appointments and promotions.”
On the key figures involved in the crisis, Chief Agabi spoke personally of both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Governor Fubara, saying: “The Minister … is my friend. He is my benefactor.… The mighty hand of God is upon him. That great Hand demands that he should lead this reconciliation … I trust [Governor Fubara] to respect that bond.”
The Committee also extended respect to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praying for “a change of heart on their part” and urging them that “in forgiving the Governor whatever wrongs he has committed … they will demonstrate … restraint, … public spirit and … maturity.”
Concluding its charge, the Committee emphasized that it was not a judicial body, but an appeal for unity: “This Committee is not appointed to sit in judgment … Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one another… We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation… Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.”
By: Divine Perezide
Warri, Delta State — Residents of the Warri Federal Constituency and surrounding environment are set to witness the public presentation of a new book titled “Warri Federal Constituency Delineation: Itsekiri & the Challenge of Sustaining the Burden of Lies”, authored by M. Keme.
The event, being organized by Niger Delta Scholars on behalf of stakeholders in the constituency, is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Warri, with proceedings commencing at 11:00am.
According to the organizers, the book interrogates historical and contemporary issues surrounding the delineation of Warri Federal Constituency, with particular focus on the Itsekiri ethnic group and the socio-political narratives that have shaped representation over the years.
The public presentation will be chaired by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), who is expected to lend scholarly insight into the relevance of the publication to ongoing debates in Niger Delta politics.
The book will be formally reviewed by noted academic Professor Benedict Binebai, providing an evaluative perspective on the text and its contributions to regional political discourse.
The organizers have issued an open invitation to scholars, political leaders, community stakeholders, and the general public to attend the presentation ceremony. Enquiries and confirmations can be directed to the official RSVP line: 08023865232.
The forthcoming launch is anticipated to spark renewed intellectual and civic engagement on constituency delineation, ethnic relations, and democratic representation in the Niger Delta.