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Warri Ward Delineation: Truth and Justice is the only Guarantee for Peace and Order – INC advises OPC.
By: Favour Bibaikefie – IduwiniVoice
Prof.: The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba has advised the Leadership of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) to dig deeper into the truth of the matter instead of meddling with sensitive issues beyond their jurisdiction. This was made in response to our correspondent who sought to have the opinion of the larger Ijaw nation on the Statement Published on Tuesday Vanguard, by the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Calling for the Cancilation of the Ongoing Delineation of Warri Federal Constituency.
Good day, Prof., as leader of the Ijaw race,what is your immediate reaction to the call on INEC and President Tinubu to order a discontinuation the ongoing Warri Delineation exercise sir?
Prof.: As you rightly said, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), is the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw Nation, and l must say that we are highly disappointed by that unguarded statement by the OPC, wherein they made spurious and unfounded allegations regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) delineation exercise in Delta state.
In your estimation, does the OPC have any regional jurisdiction on the Warri Delineation Matter, sir?
Prof.: Any Nigerian or non Nigerian could express his or her opinion on any National matter. The Oodua people’s congress, being a South-West regional organization, lacks the moral and constitutional standing to judgmentallyiinterfere in the internal demographic and political issues of the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people of Delta state in the South-South geopolitical zone as matters involving our communities are deeply rooted in local history and should not be politicalized or mispresented by external bodies.
Thank you Prof., but do you think that INEC has constitutional powers to drop the exercise as contemplated and xonvassed by the OPC?
Prof.: Its an emphatic No, for me. As a matter of fact, INEC is compelled by the Rule of Law in consonance with the unambiguous dictates of the Supreme Court and has so acted within Its constitutional mandate, so far. It must be made abundantly clear that, the ongoing delineation is not done by choice but by compulsion, having been ordered by the Supreme Court, the highest court of the land to do so before the next elections. Moreover, INEC, as empowered by the Nigerian Constitution, is carrying out this delineation exercises based on empirical population demographics and dynamics, administrative demands, and national interest. The insinuation that the Ijaw Nation is pressuring INEC to favour its interests is not only false but deliberately misleading. If anything, the OPC are the ones acting to pressure the INEC to abandon a task, so ordered by the Supreme Court, having been hired by the Itsekiris to speak for them. We must be reminded that INEC would have committed Contempt of Court should it give in to these blackmails and discontinue the exercise.
The OPC raised concerns, rather alleged that the Ijaws are attempting to grab lands belonging to the Urhobos and Itsekiris, how do you react to that, sir.
There’s no case of land seizure. If any, the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri are lawfully recovering their lands earlier seized by the Itsekiris with the aide of Colonial powers. Let me refer you back to early documents like Treaties, Land Leases, etc. as published by the Ijaw people, and latest Court Judgments upturning the 1920s judgement the Itsekiris are holding unto, in favour of the Urhobos of Warri.
While it is laughable that a man can be accused of seizing or stealing his own land, we vehemently reject the accusation that the ljaw are attempting to “carve out” Itsekiri or Urhobo ancestral lands. Such statements are dangerous and capable of inciting ethnic tension. The Ijaw Nation is peace-loving and respects due process in all matters, including land and boundary matters. The facts are clear for all to see. The INEC visited every community to determine both the ownership and occupants before commencing the delineation exercise after rounds of stakeholders’ meetings. Let’s put this on the table for the purpose of discussion only and not conceding. If Itsekiris truly owned all the lands ljaws live in as bogusly claimed, there need not be any outcry as all those wards they are crying that were given to Ijaws are actually allocated to Itsekiri lands. But their loud cry only shows that they too don’t believe in their claims of land ownership. This only reminds us of the biblical story of King Solomon and the two Harlots who came to him over the ownership of the life baby and the dead one.
Can you take us back a bit on the historical perspectives of this whole matter, sir?
Prof: History must be respected, not distorted. The Ijaw people are the first indigenous people not only to the Warri area or the South-South but to Nigeria. Unless, we want to lie to ourselves that, the Itsekiris are more fishermen than the Ijaws are, our presence, occupation, heritage, and contributions are well documented and can not be erased or challenged by revisionist claims masquerading as regional advocacy.
As a Pan-Ijaw organization, repected for shaping the narrative across the South-South, what is the INC doing to ease tension in Warri right now?
Prof.: The INC remains committed to peaceful coexistence, constructive dialogue, and constitutional means of addressing any tribal concerns among all tribes in the Niger Delta and beyond. We advise all stakeholders to refrain from sensationalism and allow due process to prevail. The Ijaw National Congress will not be silent in the face of provocation and attempts to connive against any legitimate interest and rights of Ijaw people anywhere in the world and will continue to defend the interests, heritage, and dignity of the Ijaw Nation at all levels.
We have advisedly been silent about the issues around Warri redelineation exercise, but will not stand by and watch hired regional advocates and intruders to undermine the sovereignty and constitutional rights of our people. True peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of equity, accountability, and respect for the rights of all. When justice is denied, grievances fester and unity become fragile. Our stance is rooted in the truth of our experiences and the unwavering demand for justice as a foundation for harmony. We believe that it’s only through fairness, true recognition, and equitable treatment that genuine peace and reconciliation be achieved in any society. The facts that, the Ijaws, though being majority in Warri Federal Constituency, has never represented the area in the Federal House Representatives, since independence, majority in Warri-North Local Government, but has neither represented the Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, nor governed the Local Government Area among so many age-long injustices are among the truth around which we must build these conversations and not some shameful observations and instructions handed down by regional hirelings.
Thank you very much, Prof.
By: Divine Perezide
As the countdown begins for the forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference Volume 2, the organizers, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has announced that the President of Egbema Brotherhood, Alaowei Promise Lawuru, has accepted the role of Guest of Honour come December 2025.
IPF had earlier announced the second edition of its annual event, with the Christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Chief Lawuru, the young Ijaw businessman and politician, received a delegation of the Central Working Committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo last Monday, where the invitation was extended to him.
Akemotubo explained that this year’s theme was chosen out of concern for the growing strain on the region’s land and waters. The Publisher of WaffiTV stressed that the forum wants to strengthen public understanding, support honest reporting, and encourage leaders to protect the resources of the Niger Delta for generations to come, adding that Lawuru’s antecedence of service to humanity and unwavering commitment to community development made him a natural choice for the role.
Chief Lawuru welcomed the invitation and spoke warmly about the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders and groups such the IPF. He commended the Forum for using media to defend the region’s interests and promised full support for the conference.
Lawuru further urged other stakeholders across the Ijaw nation to throw their weight behind efforts that safeguard the resources and environment of Ijaw nation in particular and the larger Niger Delta region.
As the train continues to galvanise leaders across the region, IduwiniVoice can report that the who is who in the Niger Delta from business to political sphere are marked to be in attendance.
IduwiniVoice
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NNAMDI KANU: INC CALLS FOR POLITICAL SOLUTION OVER KANU’S LIFE SENTENCE, WARNS AGAINST NATIONAL TENSIONS
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global, has expressed concerns over the life sentence handed down to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urging the Federal Government to pursue a political solution rather than rely solely on judicial outcomes.
In a statement issued from Ijaw House, Yenagoa, on November 22, 2025, the INC President, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, emphasized that the ruling carries far-reaching implications for National Cohesion, democratic values, and the quest for justice in Nigeria, among other international considerations.
Read the full text of the press statement:
“PRESS STATEMENT BY THE IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS (INC) ON THE RECENT JUDGMENT IN THE CASE OF MR. NNAMDI KANU
“IJAW HOUSE, YENAGOA, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
“22 November, 2025
“The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people worldwide, has watched with keen interest the developments surrounding the recent life sentence passed on Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“While we acknowledge the authority of the Nigerian judiciary and its right to adjudicate on matters before it, we are deeply concerned about the wider implications of this judgment. The INC, under my leadership, has consistently advocated for the strict adherence to the rule of law, constructive dialogue, and the pursuit of political solutions to address the deep-seated grievances that threaten our national fabric.
“In light of this, the INC hereby states as follows:
1. A Call for Calm and Non-Violence: We strongly urge the people of the South-East and all Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding in the wake of this judgment. We must not allow this moment to be exploited by those who would lead us down a path of destruction and further bloodshed. The challenges we face require wisdom and intellectual engagement, not a descent into anarchy.
2. The Imperative of a Political Solution: The issues that gave rise to the agitations led by Mr. Kanu are fundamentally political in nature. They are rooted in long-standing feelings of marginalization, inequity, and a failure of national integration. A judicial ruling, no matter how definitive, cannot by itself extinguish these underlying causes. We therefore call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately explore and deploy a political solution to this matter. True and lasting peace is achieved not by silencing voices but by addressing the legitimate concerns they raise.
3. A Test of Our Democracy and Federalism: This moment presents a critical test for our democracy. A nation that thrives on the principles of justice and equity must be cautious in the application of laws that can be perceived as punitive rather than corrective. We remind the government that the strength of our federation lies in its ability to accommodate diverse opinions and address grievances through dialogue and inclusive governance.
“The Ijaw people, having ourselves been at the receiving end of a state structure that often disregards the principles of true federalism, empathize with any group that feels alienated and marginalized. We stand for a Nigeria where justice and fairness are not mere slogans but the guiding principles of statecraft.
“We conclude by reiterating our steadfast commitment to a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria, but one that is built on the foundations of justice, equity, and respect for all constituent nationalities
“Signed:
Professor Benjamin Okaba
President,
Ijaw National Congress (INC) Global”
Professor Okaba reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful and united Nigeria founded on true justice, equity, and respect for all nationalities. It called on the government to demonstrate leadership by choosing dialogue over force and by addressing the root causes of agitations across the federation. The INC maintained that only inclusive governance and genuine political engagement can guarantee lasting stability and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
– Invites all critical stakeholders of the Niger Delta to be in attendance
By: Daire Perez,
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has unveiled plans for the second edition of its annual Ijaw Media Conference, scheduled for December 11, 2025. The event themed “Safeguarding Oil and Gas Natural Resources for Future Generations in the Niger Delta,” will be held at KFT Place, beginning at 12 noon.
In a statement issued by the IPF National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the Forum emphasized that the conference seeks to deepen public awareness of the dangers posed by oil theft, unchecked resources extraction, and worsening environmental degradation across the region. According to the organisation, these activities continue to devastate local ecosystems, disrupt livelihood, and impede sustainable development.
The statement further disclosed that the 2025 planning committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo, has been tasked with the honorous task of organising a successful and impactful event. Other members of the committee includes Tare Magbei (Secretary), Ezekiel Kagbala, Sunday Daniel, Mike Ugedi, Doctor Kegbe, Sam Dogitimi, and Tam Okunbiri.
The Forum called on regional leaders, community stakeholders, and young people to collaborate with relevant authorities and security agencies in promoting efforts to safeguard the Niger Delta’s natural resources. It stressed the importance of sustained public engagement in protecting both the environment and the wellbeing of the people.
The IPF encouraged all stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the conference, noting that additional information will be provided in subsequent updates.