By Austin Ogwuda
THE Ijaw National Congress (INC), the umbrella body of all Ijaw socio-cultural organisations has appealed to the Urhobo nation to throw its full support by backing candidacy from Ijaw extraction come 2031 when the rotational pendulum would switch to Delta South Senatorial District.
President, Ijaw National Congress INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba made the appeal in a goodwill address he delivered to the Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU on the occasion of the 93rd edition of the Urhobo National Day celebration held at the Urhobo House, Uvwiamuge Agbarho, Delta State, Nigeria, on Friday.
According to him, “The Ijaw of Delta State are known to have supported the Urhobo in all their intentions and aspirations to lead the State as Governors and also supported their administrations, particularly starting with Governor James Ibori and now Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“As we move gradually to the next circle of elections when power is supposed to rotate to Delta South as demanded by the established convention in Delta State, it is the belief of the INC that the UPU would remember the good deeds and support to the Urhobo by giving the Ijaw their first right of refusal, taking into cognizance the fact that the Itsekiri of Delta South have taken a short at this top job in the past”.
The INC boss also stressed the need to build stronger bonds between the two ethnic groups, saying that “it is pertinent to also highlight the close cultural affinities among the Ijaw and Urhobo in several other areas including the monarchical leadership systems (Ovie and Pere), ancestral veneration, rich masquerade ceremonies, unique music and dance styles (with energetic rhythms, generosity and hospitality (in the entertainment of visitors), reverence for elders and persons in authority (in and outside of government), community centrism, community livelihood systems (fishing and farming) and in the celebration of rites of passage.
“These are well documented and need to be deliberately passed on from one generation to another for the purpose of fostering peaceful co-existence among these two ethnic nationalities
“As ethnic leaders on both sides”, he continued, “we must leverage on these common and strong traits/ties and build on them to create stronger bonds of brotherhood to be able to handle our common potentials and multidimensional existential threats.
“As brothers and neighbours, let us reactivate and upscale these virtues that bind us together and downplay those strange vices fighting hard to divide and destroy us. It is normal to disagree over anything as brothers. We must not allow such disagreements and conflicts to degenerate into self-destructive battles”, he added.
While congratulating the leadership of Urhobo Progressive Union under the leadership of Olorogun Barr Ese Gam Owe and tasked them to remain focused in championing the Cause for a more united, peaceful and progressive Urhobo Nation.
The INC President went on to say, “As President of the Conference of Presidents-General of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities, I wish to encourage the entire Urhobo nation to align with and support the rest of the region in the advocacy for:
- True federalism (restructuring, resource control and devolution of power
- Repeal of all obnoxious environmental laws impeding the growth of ethnic minorities
*Comprehensive environmental remediation - Resuscitation of all moribund Ports and other critical infrastructure within the region
*Equitable participation in the Blue (Marine) Economy
*The return of the Headquarters of all Multinational Corporations to their operational bases in the Niger Delta region
*Support the building of Modular Refineries, as the only solution to the challenge of oil theft and associated degradation of our environment
*Equitable distribution of Federal appointments and infrastructure.
He summarised by saying that “It may suffice to state that the issues and concerns enumerated above are very key to unlocking the doors of peace, prosperity and development of not only the Urhobo land but the entire Niger Delta region and Nigeria in general”.
