Edith CHUKU
Ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general elections in Nigeria, Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress, is pushing for Ijaw unity and political strategy.
The group whose mission is to ensure equity, unity and political future of the Ijaw nation called for unity, insisting that the region cannot afford to go into the 2027 elections divided.
In a statement made available to TNN, president of the group, Mr Enisuo Emmanuel Oruomoni, charged the newly inaugurated President of the Ijaw National Congress INC, High Chief McDonald Igbadiwei, to as a matter of urgency, set up a credible committee to produce a unified political position ahead of the elections.
Oruomoni expressed need for the Ijaw nation to speak with one voice, provide leadership, coordinate consensus and present a united front in 2027.
While congratulating the Igbadiwei on assuming INC leadership in such a time he described as critical in the history of Ijaw nation, Oruomoni urged him to take certain actions which he said were essential for the good and future of Ijaw nation.
His words: “We believe this moment demands urgent, coordinated, and forward-looking action. The Ijaw Nation cannot afford to enter the 2027 general elections divided, unprepared, and without a clear political and cultural agenda. We therefore call on the INC president to immediately take the following steps:
“Constitute a high-level committee for 2027 political recommendations: The INC must, within the next 60 days, set up a credible committee of elders, technocrats, youth, and women leaders across all Ijaw clans and states to produce a unified political position and recommendations ahead of 2027.
“The Rivers State situation is a matter of existential importance to the Ijaw Nation. It is our concern that one individual continues to make statements that insult the Ijaw people, while simultaneously controlling the political structures that produced all three senators and the governor of Rivers State.
“This creates the impression that the Ijaw Nation has been politically conquered in its own land. Such a reality cannot stand. The INC must provide leadership, coordinate consensus, and ensure the Ijaw Nation speaks with one voice and presents a united front in 2027.
“We demand accountability and leadership from all Ijaw stakeholders: Leadership in the Ijaw Nation comes with responsibility. We call on prominent figures such as His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom and His Royal Majesty, Asari Dokubo, to publicly demonstrate why they should continue to be regarded and respected as traditional leaders and custodians of Ijaw values.
“Respect is earned through actions that advance Ijaw unity, protect Ijaw interest, and promote peace among our people. The INC president must engage these leaders and all stakeholders to align them under the common goal of Ijaw advancement, not division.”
The group also urged the INC president to initiate the process for the establishment of Ijaw National Library and Documentation Centre in Yenagoa and Abuja.
“For too long, our history, culture, and political struggles have been poorly documented and easily distorted. We urge the INC president to initiate the establishment of a befitting Ijaw library and documentation centre in Yenagoa and Abuja.
“These centres should serve to preserve Ijaw history, language, and political affairs, educate the younger generation, and provide a reference point for researchers, policymakers, and the public. An unrecorded people are an easily erased people. We must correct this.
“The Ijaw Nation stands at a crossroads. Division has cost us political relevance in Rivers State and beyond. The 2027 elections will test whether we have learned from this.
“We charge the new INC president to act swiftly, boldly, and impartially. The time for rhetoric is over. The time for machinery, documentation, and unity is now.”
Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders for Accountable Security and Progress further assured INC leadership that, “We stand ready to support any genuine effort that puts the Ijaw Nation first.”
