Iduwinivoice recall that the Ijaw National Congress (INC) held a Ijaw National Day/National Elective Convention from March 5 to 7, 2026. While the programme took place smoothly at the Ijaw Ware, Yenagoa, the Elections were stalled owing to litigations filed and injunction granted High Chief (Hon.) Macdonald Igbadiwei by the court in Portharcourt to that effect.

The Bayelsa State Government convened a meeting of Ijaw Trafitional Rulers, INC leadership, Aspirants, and other critical stakeholders a few days a go in Yenagoa.

Here is an excerpt on the reactions of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress, to the Recent Concerns Raised by Ijaw Elders and Stakeholders on the 2026 INC National Elections.

As the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), I welcome this opportunity to address the concerns raised by our respected elders and stakeholders. Their voice is vital, and I share their commitment to resolving the current situation through a process that is fair, transparent, and firmly rooted in our constitution. The path forward requires us to balance our adherence to the rule of law with the imperative of unity for the Ijaw nation.

My detailed thoughts on the three issues you raised are as follows:

1. Response to the Coalition’s Statement and the Governor’s Mediation

I hold the coalition of Ijaw leaders, elders, and stakeholders in the highest esteem. Their call for all parties to respect constitutional provisions is not just welcome; it is the only viable foundation for a lasting resolution. The INC is a creation of its constitution, and that document must remain our guiding light and the ultimate authority in all our affairs .

Regarding the intervention of the Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, I see it as a positive and necessary step. As I have consistently maintained, the initial disqualification of some aspirants was based on a strict reading of our constitution’s eligibility clauses, which include requirements for membership tenure and financial dues . However, the decision by the Justice F.F. Tabai-led Electoral Committee (ELECO) to reverse that position (based on the candidates substantive compliance with the relevant provisions of the INC Constitution), and the subsequent court injunction that halted the March 7 election, created a complex situation .

The Governor’s mediation is a welcome exercise of elder statesmanship. It provides a platform for all parties—the INC leadership, the ELECO, the aggrieved aspirants, and the wider stakeholders—to come together. The goal of this dialogue must be to find a path that respects the court’s authority, addresses the grievances raised, and allows for an electoral process that is credible, inclusive, and beyond reproach. The coalition’s warning that weakening the INC constitution could diminish our authority to represent the Ijaw people is a point I take very seriously .

2. Advice to the Aggrieved Persons

To our brothers and sisters who feel aggrieved by the process, I say this: your passion for the Ijaw nation is not in question, and your desire to serve is commendable. However, the strength of a great nation or organization is not that it never has disagreements, but that it resolves them through principled institutions .

My advice to you is threefold:

· Embrace the Mediation Process: Fully engage in the dialogue facilitated by the Governor and other respected elders. This is the fastest and most constructive way to have your concerns heard and addressed in a holistic manner.
· Pursue Unity Over Victory: The ultimate prize is not any single office, but a united and strong INC capable of fighting for the collective interests of the Ijaw people. A fractured house cannot effectively advocate for resource control, self-determination, or the development of our land. The objective must be correction, not confrontation .
· Uphold the Constitution: As you seek redress, continue to anchor your arguments on the provisions of our constitution. It is our common ground, not a weapon to be wielded by one side against another.

3. Ensuring a Cohesive and United INC

My primary mandate has always been the unity and stability of the INC . A rancour-free INC is not just an aspiration; it is essential for the survival and progress of the Ijaw nation. To ensure this, I am committed to the following:

· Strengthening Internal Processes: We will work with the ELECO and all stakeholders emerging from the mediation to ensure that the eventual electoral process is transparent, fair, and enjoys the buy-in of all. This includes addressing concerns about delegate selection and the use of technology, as previously raised by members .
· Upholding the Rule of Law: We must respect the decisions of our courts and the provisions of our constitution, even as we seek to improve them through proper channels. As I have noted before, we cannot overlook infractions like the forgery of signatures for the sake of expediency, as that undermines the very fabric of our organization .
· Fostering Dialogue and Inclusivity: The INC belongs to all Ijaws—from the traditional rulers and elders to the youths and women. We will continue to engage with all these groups, as I have done in the past with bodies like the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), to ensure we speak with one voice . The coalition’s call for traditional rulers and opinion leaders to act as “guardians of fairness, wisdom, and institutional balance” is a role we fully endorse and will rely upon .

The challenges we face are surmountable if we approach them with wisdom, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the Ijaw cause. Let us use this moment not to divide ourselves, but to build a stronger, more resilient institution that can truly represent the interests of our people.

By Charity Ebi 

Prominent Niger Delta groups, including the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) and the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), have passed a vote of confidence on Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), as he marks two years in office.

The stakeholders, in separate statements, commended Otuaro’s leadership, describing his tenure as transformative and reform-driven. They noted that within two years, the PAP boss has overseen institutional restructuring, expanded foreign scholarship opportunities, strengthened vocational and marine training programmes, and deepened youth empowerment initiatives across the Niger Delta.

According to the groups, the reinstatement of foreign scholarship schemes and technical training programmes has benefited more than 2,000 students and former agitators, boosting human capital development in the region. They also credited Otuaro with fostering improved collaboration between the amnesty office, community leaders and critical stakeholders, thereby strengthening trust in the programme.

The South-South Traditional Council and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, also joined in applauding the PAP Administrator. They described him as a “game-changer” and a “bridge-builder” whose accountability and peacebuilding efforts have enhanced stability in the region.

Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Otuaro has repeatedly emphasized transparency, structured reforms and sustainable reintegration of beneficiaries. Observers say his administration’s focus on education, skills acquisition and stakeholder engagement reflects a shift toward long-term development rather than short-term interventions.

The endorsing groups urged Niger Delta leaders to sustain their support for the programme, expressing confidence that continued reforms under Otuaro would further consolidate peace and development in the oil-rich region.

By: Derick Peretengboro

The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has taken a significant step towards its upcoming leadership transition with the inauguration of an Electoral Committee to oversee its next election.

The committee was formally inaugurated during a congress held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Warri, Delta State.

According to the forum, “Mr. Francis Abai of Pen Global, Mr. Cletus Opukeme of Daily Watch, and Mr. Joseph Kanjo of Info Daily were nominated to serve on the Electoral Committee.” Following the nominations, “Mr. Abai was appointed Chairman, while Mr. Opukeme will serve as Secretary. Mr. Kanjo is a member of the committee.”

The move comes as the incumbent National Executive Council, led by Comrade Ozobo Austin, approaches the end of its tenure. The current NEC is expected to step down on February 29, 2026, paving the way for a new leadership structure to emerge through what stakeholders hope will be a credible and transparent process.

In a related development, the forum also constituted a Constitution Review Committee to strengthen its internal regulatory framework. Membership of the review panel includes “Mr. Tare Magbei of Daily Report Nigeria, Mr. Francis Abai of Pen Global, and Mr. Ezekiel Kagbala of Focal Point.”

Both committees are expected to “play key roles in strengthening the forum’s internal processes and ensuring a credible and orderly electoral exercise,” a statement from the forum noted.

The inauguration has been widely regarded within the IPF as a proactive measure to enforce accountability, enhance democratic participation, and consolidate the forum’s institutional integrity ahead of its crucial transition.