Prof. Benjamin Okaba, outgoing Global President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
By Deborah Coker
The outgoing Global President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has appealed to Ijaw elders and other stakeholders to sheath their swords over the controversies surrounding the ongoing national elections of the congress.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okaba’s appeal was sequel to recent concerns raised by the Ijaw elders and stakeholders over the elections.
NAN also reports that a coalition of Ijaw leaders and elders had earlier urged the INC leadership to respect constitutional provisions in order to resolve issues arising from the organisation’s ongoing electoral process.
The stakeholders, made up of traditional rulers, academics, retired military officers and activists, among others, had made the call on Friday in a statement.
In the statement signed by Chief Bukazi Etete, Roland Ekperi, Chief Amagbe Kentebi and Ann Kio Briggs, among others, the stakeholders had emphasised the need for upholding the supremacy of the INC constitution.
However, in a statement made available to NAN in Abuja on Saturday, Okaba said that his primary concern had always been the unity and stability of INC.
To ensure this, he expressed his commitment to strengthening internal processes for the election, upholding the rule of law as well as fostering dialogue and inclusivity.
According to him, a rancour-free INC is not just an aspiration, it is essential for the survival and progress of the Ijaw nation.
“I am committed to strengthening internal processes by working 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 include addressing concerns about delegate selection and the use of technology, as previously raised by members.
“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 organisation.
“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,” he said.
Okaba restated the need for traditional rulers and opinion leaders to act as guardians of fairness, wisdom and institutional balance, saying this was a role the INC leadership fully endorsed and would 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,” he said.
Okaba said that the voices of the elders and stakeholders of the organisation were vital, adding that he shared in their commitment to resolving the current situation through a process that was fair, transparent and firmly rooted in the INC constitution.
He noted that the path forward required that everyone should balance adherence to the rule of law with the imperative of unity for the Ijaw nation.
Responding to the coalition’s statement and the mediation by Gov. Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, the outgoing INC president said he held the coalition of Ijaw leaders, elders and stakeholders in highest esteem.
“Their call for all parties to respect constitutional provisions is not just welcomed, it is the only viable foundation for a lasting resolution.
“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 governor, Sen. 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,” he said.
He added that the governor’s mediation was a welcome development, as it provided a platform for all parties—the INC leadership, 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 can diminish our authority to represent the Ijaw people is a point I take very seriously.
“My advice therefore to our brothers and sisters who feel aggrieved by the process is: 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 organisation is not that it never has disagreements, but that it resolves them through principled institutions.
“In view of this, I was fully engaged 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,” he said.
According to him, a fractured house cannot effectively advocate for resource control, self-determination or the development of our land. The objective must be correction, not confrontation.
(NAN)
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