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).

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.

1. 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