“Being Text of a Brief Speech by Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress Global, presented on Wednesday, 26th March 2025, at the Emergency All-Inclusive Critical Stakeholders Meeting on the State of the Ijaw Nation and in particular the lingering Political Crisis in Rivers State.

Protocol:

“Your Excellencies, Distinguished Elders, Respected Chiefs, Women and Youth Leaders, Esteemed Stakeholders, and Fellow Sons and Daughters of the Ijaw Nation, Gentlemen of the Press.

“I humbly stand before you today, not merely as your President of our highly revered foremost socio-cultural organization, but as a conduit for the collective voice of our people – a people defined by resilience, dignity, integrity, slow to anger, peace loving and an unwavering commitment and uncommon determination for justice, unity of purpose, equity and self-determination.

“We assemble here as concerned, responsible and patriotic Ijaw leaders in our own rights, at this pivotal and crucial juncture in our history, to soberly reflect on issues that pose a threat to our existence, including our individual and corporate well-being. It is imperative to stress that this decisive moment demands no lamentations but clarity of vision, resolute actions, and strategic exactness.

“It is common knowledge that Ijaw people, in spite of being one of the four largest ethnic nationalities in this country, have for too long suffered and endured multiple systemic injustices, political balkanization and disenfranchisement, economic marginalization and deprivation, environmental degradation, human rights abuses, neglect and social exclusion, and many other associated maladies that have threatened our survival, peace, and sustainable development. This reality is regrettable when considered against the fact that the Ijaws have, since the birth of this country, made massive contributions to the all-round sustainability of this hegemonic nation. We can no longer continue to be slaves and beggars in our own land that is stupendously blessed with resources that can make any people anywhere in the world great, prosperous, and happy.

“The recent imposition of emergency rule and the suspension of our dear son, His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara, under whatever guise, constitute a grave assault on the principles of justice, democratic governance, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate. This audacious infraction on our people in Rivers State (who have been out of governance for 24 years), is not a partisan issue; it is a fundamental challenge to the constitutional framework that safeguards the rights and autonomy of every Nigerian citizen. It is a clarion call for the Ijaw Nation, and all advocates of justice at the national and international levels, to stand unequivocally in defense of constitutional order and the inherent right of every ethnic nationality to prosper without coercion or suppression.

“The recent unguided, disgustive, inflammatory and provocative utterances and actions taken against us by that Ikwerre-born inconsequential drunk and cheap drug addict, with the support of a few of our own Rivers Ijaw brothers, and in connivance with the powers-that-be in the three arms of our government are condemnable. These actions and inactions, emanating from these highly placed and sensitive quarters, have only exacerbated our fury. These also constitute the denigration, oppression, and mockery of our collective reputation.

“Our response to redeeming our image and repositioning ourselves to access, explore, exploit, control, and manage our God-given resources for our common good will be characterized by strategic resolve, not reactive emotions. We shall navigate this path expeditiously with wisdom, prioritizing strategic actions over impulsive reactions, and fostering unity as our impenetrable shield against division.

“Today, I wish to, on behalf of the National Executive Council of the INC, implore our leaders and stakeholders to assist us in forging a unified front, articulating a singular purpose, and executing a coordinated strategy. The Ijaw Nation, renowned for its indomitable spirit, must now exemplify strategic leadership, not only for our immediate interests but for the preservation of democratic values throughout Nigeria.

“Because this special gathering is not intended to be yet another Talk Shop, but an avenue to renew and revamp our commitment to properly coordinated lines of action, that would reshape the historical, legal and socio-economic landscape of the Ijaw struggle, we must not be talking too much but be seen to be working to talk, to ensure that future generations are bequeathed a Nation that is free, peaceful and respected internationally.

“Therefore, let us positively utilize this forum to develop precise, robust, and actionable strategic plans for our immediate, medium, and long-term implementation. The focal areas should include:

“Prioritize Dialogue with Strategic Intent: Engage in dialogue, but with a clear articulation of our non-negotiable demands and a strategic framework for achieving them.

“Leverage Collective Influence Strategically: Mobilize our combined traditional, political, economic, and social capital to demand the immediate restoration of constitutional order and Governor Fubara’s mandate, utilizing targeted and impactful actions.

“Forge Pan-Niger Delta Solidarity: Build alliances across ethnic lines within the Niger Delta and beyond, recognizing that an attack on one is an attack on all, and coordinate our actions for maximum impact.

“Engagement in Legal Battles: Efforts to engage in legal battles in our national and international courts, to high-level diplomatic interactions and alliances with global institutions and world leaders, should be heightened. The time to amplify our collective voice, expand and strengthen our influence and lay a solid foundation for long-term sovereignty is now or never.

“Establish Actionable Outcomes and Accountability: Ensure this gathering culminates in concrete resolutions, defined responsibilities, and measurable outcomes, with a clear timeline for implementation and accountability.

“Let us remember that our strength is not merely numerical but derives from our unwavering unity and love for our motherland. The Ijaw spirit, when provoked and fused, is an unstoppable force. Let us transcend personal differences and vested interests, anchoring ourselves in the enduring principle of unity that has sustained us through generations.

“As we deliberate today, let our words and decisions be guided by strategic foresight, wisdom, and a profound awareness of our historical responsibility. The decisions we make here will reverberate through the annals of our history.

“This address would be grossly inadequate if we fail to appreciate and commend our fellow Ijaw men of good conscience, Niger Deltans, Nigerians, and the international community for their unflinching support for our cause for justice and equity. We are vindicated in our assertion that this is not an inter-ethnic war or a war against the Nigerian nation-state, but a desperate fight for state capture against the masses and leaders (like Sim) who believe that the commonwealth of the people must be committed to their advancement and development.

“Finally, we urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to promptly reconsider its actions and respect the sovereign will of the people of Rivers State. The Ijaw Nation will not passively witness the humiliation of its sons and daughters or the erosion of its democratic space.

“We leave you with this imperative: Strategic unity is our paramount strength. Strategic wisdom is our guiding light. Strategic action is our path to victory. Let this be our unshakable commitment, now and in the days to come.

“Thank you, and God bless the Ijaw Nation.

“Long Live Ijaw Nation!”

Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba
President, Ijaw National Congress Global