– INC Insists on Regionalism, Resource Ownership and New Constitution

By Perez Bibaikefie

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – July 19, 2025

In a stirring, uncompromising address at the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, Prof. Benjamin O. Okaba, delivered a historic speech that shook the foundations of Nigeria’s current political architecture. Declaring the 1999 Constitution (as amended) a “satanic document fraudulently foisted on Nigerians,” Prof. Okaba demanded sweeping constitutional changes including true federalism, Resource Control, and the immediate creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers States, as well as 33 additional Local Government Areas for Bayelsa State. Speaking on behalf of one of Nigeria’s most marginalised yet resource-rich ethnic groups, the Ijaw leader boldly asserted that unless critical constitutional corrections are made, Nigeria’s unity will remain fragile, and the Ijaw people may be forced to reconsider their commitment to the Nigerian Project.

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“Constitution Review – Ijaw Panacea for Resolution of Ethnic Tensions, Fiscal Federalism and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.

“Being the INC President’s Intervention at the National Assembly Constitution Review Public Hearing, South-South Zone, holding at the Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on the 19th of July, 2025.

“Team Lead and other Honourable Members of the House of Representatives present, Traditional Rulers, Delegates from other Ethnic Nationalities, Gentlemen of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen.

“1. Evidence abound to the fact that the Ijaw ethnic nationality is the most criminally bastardized and short-changed by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to the extent that, despite being one of the most ancient civilizations, among the four largest ethnic groups and a major producer of the petroleum resources in Nigeria that keep this country economically and politically afloat, we have remained gruesomely exploited, environmentally degraded, marginalized, excluded undeveloped and disillusioned.

“2. Whereas a totally new constitution is more desirable, but, as alternative the bold step taken by the 10th National Assembly, targeted at a comprehensive amendment of this satanic document, that was fraudulently foisted on Nigerians by some undemocratic elements to satisfy their personal political and sociocultural aggrandizement, and make others appear as second class citizens in their own country, is a worthwhile exercise worthy of encouragement by Nigerians.

“3. It should be noted that the Ijaw people who since precolonial times had entered into various treaties and agreements with the early Portuguese explorers, and later with the British Crown, did not surrender their sovereignty, neither was their consent sought during the political engineering processes that culminated in the 1914 amalgamation of Southern and Northern Protectorates, divisions of the Southern Protectorate into Western and Eastern Regions in 1939, independence in 1960, the creation of Mid-West in 1963 and other state and local government creation exercises that further split our territories into insignificant minorities, especially in Ondo, Akwa-Ibom and Edo States.

“These multiple majority status negates the co-terminosity principle, of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in 1980 which emphasizes that no ethic group should be fragmented in a way that makes them minority in multiple states.

4. ⁠ Given the fact that we have not been fairly and justly treated by successive hegemonic administrations, even after the Willinks Commission of 1958 recognized the need for Ijaws to be given a Special Development Area, and down through to the present administration that has worsened our existential threats, what we seek is self-determination – Control and Management of our Governance Systems and Our God given Resources. The Ijaw self-determination agenda is a moving train, and therefore, those who intend to make this civil and peaceful process impossible will only make violent confrontation inevitable.

“5. We have remained committed to the survival and unity of the Nigerian nation (as can be attested to by the sacrifices of our iconic forefathers such as Chief Dappa Biriye, Major Isaac Boro, Sen. Melford Okilo, Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark etc), and our enormous contributions in human and material resources to the survival of this nation. It is in that vein that we urge all other ethnic nationalities in this country to support this ongoing process, with the belief that if properly managed, will give birth to a citizens-based constitution, where the tenets of equity, fairness and justice, devolution of power from the centre to the federating entities, shall be constitutionally guaranteed.

“6. In seeking several alterations to the Constitution, the Ijaw Nation is driven by the following objectives:

a. Ijaw unity and desire to exist in a united territory (to end balkanization). The Ijaw Nation, as captured in her scientifically geolocated and digitalized world-class map, is culturally homogeneous and geographically contiguous. We have ample evidence supported by treaties intelligence reports, and sound old and contemporary research publications that the Ijaw Nation (her people and territory) was never conquered. Ijaw people everywhere, in all our settlements are not strangers (Edo, Ondo, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers), but the original owners. Those who intend to distort these historical and simple facts should consider their evil plots as not only fruitless, but mischievous. Those who claim Ijaws are not indigenous to their land should show evidence of tenancy or ground rent payment documents reached between Ijaws and the claimants.

“We reaffirm our demand for the creation of two additional homogeneous Ijaw states, i.e. Toru-Ebe State comprising Ijaws in Delta, Edo and Ondo States, and Oil Rivers State made up of Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa-Ibom States, and additional local government areas for Bayelsa State. The documents submitted earlier provide enormous justification.

“The demand for the creation of the proposed Toru Ebe State is aimed at addressing long standing yearnings and aspirations of the people for justice, peace, stability, self-determination and development. The communities in the three states of Delta, Edo and Ondo, which occupy almost the entire coastline of the west of Niger Delta region, extending from Abare Town in Patani Local Government Area in Delta State to Igbobini Town in Ese Odo Local Government Area in Ondo State, are aborigines in the southern Nigeria and the earliest inhabitants in the Niger Delta region. The territorial configuration of the proposed Toru Ebe State includes only ljaw clans in the present Delta, Edo and Ondo states. These distinct yet culturally homogeneous clans of the Ijaw ethnic nationality and customary owners of all land living in a geographical contiguous territory of their own and who have been deliberately balkanized into different political and administrative units in the country for too long, are the ones demanding for the creation of the proposed Toru Ebe State.

“The oil revenue from the Ijaw areas in the three states accounts for the largest revenue accruing to the National Economy. Despite the receipt of the 13% Derivations Revenue by 3 states (Delta, Edo and Ondo) the Ijaw areas which are mineral producing have been denied of any meaningful development. Modern infrastructure social services such as schools, hospitals, portable water are near absent in Ijaw communities especially in Edo State. Ancient traditions tools are easily denigrated and denied office recognition and patronage. With the political fragmentation in place, it has been impossible for an ljaw man in Edo State to became a mere ward councillor. Because of the neglect there is a high level of rural- urban migration leading to the loss of indigenous cultural heritage.

“However, the Ijaw as inhabitants of this marshy and swampy terrain are blessed with abundant natural resources including oil and natural gas. The proposed state with a population of 2.7million people has natural landscapes with beautiful beaches and lengthy coastline which can be annexed into a blue economy and tourism that will make the State economically viable.

“We also propose Oil Rivers State that comprises Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. This area remains the most naturally blessed but environmentally degraded in the entire world, with massive oil explodes and gas flaring threatening the very survival of the people. Just like our counterparts in Edo State, the Ijaw, especially in Akwa Ibom State, are left with no basic infrastructure, electricity, or health care services. There are no meaningful state and federal government infrastructure in these Ijaw communities. Due to the long period of fragmentation, many Ijaw communities face cultural extinction, with some losing their native language and their traditions. With the creation of the Oil Rivers State, the rich heritage and environment of our people can be resuscitated.

“The proposed Oil Rivers State with Isaka Town, located in the northern part of Okrika Local Government Area as capital is endowed with abundant natural and human resources such as vast mangrove forests, rich fishery and agricultural potentials, palm oil industry, tourism potentials, natural habours and oil and gas resources (with over 30 major oil and gas fields, making it economically viable).

“ADDITIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS FOR BAYELSA STATE.

“Bayelsa State, situated in the South-South region of Nigeria is bordered by Delta State to the north, Rivers to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south, with a total landmass of approximately 10,773 square kilometres. Its rivers mass extends far into the Atlantic Ocean and major rivers, including River Niger, River Forcados, and smaller rivers and creeks. This riverine and estuarine setting poses unique challenges such as flooding, erosion, and ocean encroachment. It has a population of over 3.5 million people.

“Bayelsa State’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP is significant, thanks to its rich human and natural resources. As one of the largest oil and gas producing states in Nigeria, Bayelsa accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s oil production, estimated to be around 35-45% as of 2022. In terms of GDP, Bayelsa State’s contribution stands at $4.3 billion, with a GDP per capital of $1,773, according to 2020 rankings. The state’s economy is largely driven by the petroleum industry, with crude oil and natural gas being major contributors. The state, therefore, has a critical role in the actualization of Mr. President’s projection to meet up with OPEC quota of 2.06 barrels per day.

“However, it is worth noting that despite her significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, land and river mass and huge potentials for steady growth and development, the state currently has only eight (8) Local Government Areas, which are Brass, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Nembe, Sagbama Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa.

“The names of the proposed Thirty-Three (33) Local Government Areas are in the Maps attached.

“We all know that Eight LGA for Bayelsa is a case of injustice in many ramifications in terms of federal resource allocation and fair representation.

“Our other concerns include:

b. Protection and remediation of its environment

c. Federal resource contribution through resource control and payment of tax

d. True federal Constitution (with no unitary colouration)

e. Reintegration of Ijaws vide the wholesale prosecution of the Ijaw struggle for self-determination, which has lasted centuries

f. Improve the quality and quantity of representation.

“7. Therefore, the Ijaws have consistently set some MINIMUM PRECEDENT CONDITIONS THAT WOULD GUARANTEE OUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO THE NIGERIAN PROJECT. These include:

Restoration of TRUE FEDERALISM including fiscal federalism, Resource Control (100% derivation), devolution of power.

“Guarantee of a NEW CONSTITUTION enacted by the people themselves wherein a lean Exclusive Legislative list is prescribed for the Federal tier to essentially cover Defense, Foreign Affairs, Central Bank, Immigration and Emmigration, Citizenship, Aviation policy and Nuclear Energy, while all other powers are left for the federating units.

“The repeal of all obnoxious and discriminatory laws and policies that have continuously undermined our fundamental human and environmental rights as indigenous people of Nigeria.

“8. This memorandum seeks to alter the following Sections of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended):

Section 3 (1): Establishment of Regions:

We propose the following 10 federating units (constituent states) by way of readjustment of the well-known and accepted 6 geopolitical zones in the country.

1- North West (Sokoto,Zamfara, Kebbi).

2 – Upper Northern (Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi).

3 – North Central (Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Niger).

4 – North Eastern (Bornu, Yobe).

5 – Middle Belt (Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, Benue, Kwara and Southern Kaduna).

6 – Western (Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Ogun and parts of Kogi, Kwara, Edo, Delta).

7 – Midwestern (Edo, Delta and parts of Bayelsa).

8 – Niger Delta (Bayelsa, parts of Akwa Ibom, Abia, Rivers, Delta, Edo, Ondo).

9 – Eastern (Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, parts of Rivers, Delta).

10 – Eastern Delta (Cross River, Akwa Ibom, parts of Rivers).

“9. Each Region as created by this Constitution, shall by its own Constitution provide for creation of lower tiers of government within its territory.

“​The Regions as created by this Constitution may create within its territory States/Provinces/Municipalities/Counties or Local Government Areas as the Region may deem fit in accordance with provision of the Constitution of that Region.

New Section 162 (1) (2): To replace deleted sections as follows;

162(1): Each Federating Region shall control its own resources or any ​resources found within its territory, including the Exclusive Economic Zone, territorial waters contiguous to the territory of the Region, or any other revenue accruing to the Region from any source whatsoever.

162 (2): The Federating Regions shall pay as tax an amount equivalent to 20% ​of the total revenue generated from its resources and any other sources as ​provided in Section 162 (1) to the Federal Government.

Section 313: Is hereby proposed to be deleted since the Federal Government will not be allocating funds any more by our proposal.

Section 315 (5) (d): “The Land Use Act” and other inapplicable acts is/are hereby ​proposed to be deleted since the Regions are to control their resources.

“It is proposed that each Regional Government will have its own Constitution, Supreme Court, Appeal Court, and Police etc.

“10. We wish to emphasize that the PRINCIPLES of RESOURCE OWNERSHIP, RESOURCE CONTROL, DEVOLUTION OF POWER and RESOURCE MANAGEMENT under the regional structure are the ALL TIME PANACEA NIGERIA Needs, towards achieving HEALTHY COMPETITIVE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, GREATNESS and PROSPERITY, REGIONALISM, COHESIVE INTER-ETHNIC cooperation.

“Thank you and God bless

“Prof. Benjamin O. Okaba

President, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global”

Prof. Okaba’s powerful submission concluded with a clarion call to all Nigerians and lawmakers: “The principles of resource ownership, resource control devolution of power, and regional autonomy are not threats to national unity-they are its only true guarantees.” As the 10th National Assembly embarked on what may become may become Nigeria’s most defining constitutional ammendment process, the Ijaw nation has drawn a clear line in the sand-either justice, equity, and self-determination prevail, or the calls for structural redress will grow into louder cries for political disengagement.

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