By Austin Ogwuda
THE leadership of the Ijaw National Congress INC has raised alarm over what it described as plethora of attacks targeted at key Ijaw leaders holding strategic government positions.
It says that in as much as it fully supports calls for better governance and improved development across the region, that it is totally opposed to the use of blackmail, vilification, libelous propaganda, and violence as tools to achieve such demands, counseling that constructive engagement and dialogue remain the best approaches to addressing concerns and advancing the interests of the Ijaw people.
This was contained in a press statement signed by its President, Prof Benjamin Okaba obtained by The Townhall.
The statement entitled ‘THE RISING WAVE OF ATTACKS AGAINST IJAW LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT’ reads:
- The Ijaw National Congress (INC), under the leadership of its President, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, expresses deep concern over the increasing spate of attacks targeted at prominent Ijaw sons and daughters holding strategic government positions. These attacks, largely driven by personal and small-group interests rather than the collective good of the Ijaw nation, threaten not only the progress of the individuals involved but also the credibility and reputation of the Ijaw people as a whole. More worrisome is the fact that majority of these campaigns of calumny, blackmail and manifestations of the evil pull-him-down syndrome are orchestrated, championed or sponsored by fellow Ijaws.
- In recent times, we have witnessed a plethora of deliberate and well-coordinated, desperate and deadly efforts to discredit, malign and undermine key Ijaw leaders who have been making significant contributions to the development of Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. Among those who have faced these unjustified attacks in recent times are:
(a) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil).
(b) High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
(c) High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and his security company, Tantita Security Services Ltd. These individuals have dedicated their efforts to improving the security, development, and overall welfare of Ijaws and the Niger Delta, yet they have become targets of slander, petitions, protestations, and other calculated schemes designed to discredit their work.
- The latest victim of this troubling trend is Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), who is now facing threats of mass protests, multiple petitions, and a smear campaign orchestrated to derail his administration. The INC strongly condemns these actions and warns that such internal sabotage is detrimental to the progress of the Ijaw people, and hence will not be tolerated.
- These divisive attacks, often fueled by selfish interests rather than for the general good of Ijaw people, are putting the Ijaw nation in a negative light before the Nigerian government and the international community. If these malicious actions continue, they will only result in national and international political leadership sidelining Ijaw leaders in national and sub-national appointments. This will be a major setback for our people, who have fought tirelessly to gain this level of recognition and leadership roles in national and international affairs. The ripple effect of this character assassination on the general wellbeing of the Ijaw, can only be imagined.
- The INC strongly believes and encourages Ijaws in all spheres of life to hold our leaders at all levels (community, council, state and national) accountable through more civilized and constructive engagement and criticism mechanisms, deploying the already well-established institutional frameworks existing at our community and the ethnic organization platforms. We will not sit idly by and watch unpatriotic individuals or groups dent our collective image and undermine the progress that has come to us at the cost of great sacrifices—including the blood of many Ijaw heroes. This is a serious warning to all those engaging in these dastardly and destructive acts.
- It is important to emphasize that Dr. Ogbuku (like those mentioned earlier) has demonstrated outstanding leadership and performance as the Managing Director of the NDDC. His tenure has seen the implementation of numerous impactful projects, including:The “Light Up Niger Delta” campaign, which has delivered thousands of solar-powered streetlights across various communities in the region.Many ongoing Dredging and Land Reclamation Projects, Road Projects across the Niger Delta which is crucial for infrastructural and economic development. These community-driven projects are aimed at improving the standard of living across Ijaw land.
- suffice to reiterate that while the INC fully supports calls for better governance and improved development across the region, we strongly oppose the use of blackmail, vilification, libelous propaganda, and violence as tools to achieve such demands. Constructive engagement and dialogue remain the best approaches to addressing concerns and advancing the interests of the Ijaw people.
- We call on all well-meaning Ijaw sons and daughters to prioritize the collective interest of the Ijaw nation over personal or political rivalries. It is imperative that we stand united in defending and supporting our leaders who are making tangible contributions to the advancement of our people.
- We also urge the Federal Government, the NDDC Board, and all relevant stakeholders to disregard any politically motivated petitions or attempts to discredit the leadership of Dr. Ogbuku and other Ijaw leaders. Instead, efforts should be directed towards strengthening the development agenda for the Niger Delta and ensuring that the region continues to benefit from its rightful share of national resources.
- The Ijaw struggle has been marked by resilience, unity, and sacrifice. It is time to build upon our achievements rather than tear them down from within.
Signed:
Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba
President,Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide
