Alabo Nengi James-Eriworio, one of the vice presidents of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, is not new to political and leadership activism in Bayelsa State and in the Niger Delta. He holds the national honours title of Order Of the Niger, OON, due to his role in the Niger Delta struggle.
He was one of those who midwifed the birth of the Ijaw Youths Council, after the famous Kaiama Declaration in 1998. Today, he is seeking to become president of the INC.
He spoke with some journalists in Yenagoa recently.
TNN brings excerpts of the interview:
The INC national convention is fast approaching. You are one of the key stakeholders in Ijaw land and you are also an aspirant. How far with preparations?
Yes, many people who have also paid their dues will want to contest. I may not be the only one. But depending on how you pay your dues, we know ourselves on this journey. How long you’ve been involved doesn’t necessarily mean you are the best. So, anybody God has destined will, one way or the other, get the opportunity through the people’s votes and win the election. I’m not saying I’m the only one contesting, but I’m informing you today, by this opportunity. I haven’t voiced it officially yet, but it’s all-over social media and everywhere that I am contesting. I’m waiting for the right time to do it formally.
My manifesto is ready, but anything I say here is what I expect to be on paper. I am contesting because I feel I have contributed meaningfully. I’ve not only paid my dues; I’ve been dutiful. You can see me in this office every day unless I’m traveling for work. I’m very punctual and actively handling delegated affairs.
The president has the right to delegate vice presidents to events or assignments. There are other vice presidents but fortunately for me, I’m from Bayelsa, so my office is unique in nature. It cannot be empty—I have to take care of it. We are to vacate office in May 2026, and the constitution requires us to conduct elections 60 days before expiration. That means we’ve served about four years and a few months. So, any moment from now, until March, we cannot violate the timeline—the elections will be conducted. For me, I’ve been in the system. I’m not claiming to be the best, but I know I will win. I’m very sure because I know my contributions.
How would you describe your contributions to the Ijaw Nation as a whole?
I’ve served our people and Pa Edwin K. Clark for years. In fact, the document is here. I was appointed youth leader of the South-South People’s Conference, headed by the late Pa Harold Dappa Biriye and the late E.K. Clark.
When Dappa Biriye died, E.K. Clark took over. He was our leader in the struggle—anything we wanted to do, we did from his premises. Pa E.K. Clark, was also the National Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman of the INC and a father to all. I’ve gained experience walking with these people both privately and publicly. I was properly schooled to take over. You know, everything isn’t by age.
That’s how I started, and became MOSIEND fact-finding committee chairman on finance and related matters. I was like the EFCC, back then. You couldn’t dribble me—I knew you and how much was involved. Our reports exposed everything. I was automatically elected Chairman of the MOSIEND ELECO that brought in the late Young Bekewari as president. All the elections I conducted were Option A4—even when I was in the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), the election that brought in Asari Dokubo was direct voting.
I started with that system, so I’m used to it. Side by side, I was the founder and pioneer president of the Bayelsa Youth Federation (BAYOF), a huge youth group then. We assisted our elders on various issues, including the offshore-onshore dichotomy, where I was arrested, taken to Abuja and our leader Pa, Clark was also invited for questioning by DSS. Even in the IYC, I was detained with Felix Tuodolo.
We keep hearing about the Kaiama Declaration. In your opinion, what led to the declaration in Kaiama?
So, when coming on board for the IYC, we went to Kaiama for All Ijaw Youth Conference and came up thenow f amous Kaiama Declaration. I brought the proposal for the name. Four items were written, and Felix (Tuodolo) was Secretary-General of the Supreme Egbesu Council. He led and we followed. We controlled the process by invoking the powers of the convention at the first all-encompassing conference, which gave birth to the Kaiama Declaration on Friday, December 11, 1998. Listen carefully—not everybody is aware of this. They’re just hearing it from some of us.
In fact, some people parading themselves as Kaiama Declaration participants weren’t there. Yes, many were afraid the military would take over, but we risked our lives and left very late. I left with the late Oronto Douglas, Isaac Osuaka and the Ijaw human rights group. I was leading my delegation as leader of organizations; so nobody can deceive me. We didn’t have a leader—they refused to elect one. Everybody wanted to be president or secretary. So, we opted for collective leadership at Bomadi gathering. The declaration itself wasn’t drafted by those who are claiming it; anyone telling you otherwise wasn’t present. I’m a living witness—from the traditional customs and rituals to the end of the programme. They are liars. How can people lie when some of us are still alive? The drafters came after everything; every document we took to ERA Office in Agudama Street, D-Line, Port Harcourt, where Oronto was communicating with overseas via digital systems. I had to follow the digital team. When we got there, they took over the write-up. Our friends began compiling points based on what we discussed and packaged it. We then took it to Ogoriba at Mile 4, for signing—he wasn’t there when we finished, so they gave him about two pages to review. That shows some people don’t even know the in and out until it was published.
After that, we worked as the IYC. In 1999, we went to Abonnema in Rivers State for a real election and produced Felix Tuodolo as the first elected president. We’ve been running it as a mobile parliament to sensitize and advocate for the Ijaw nation from a youth perspective—doing whatever is necessary to give us leverage and enjoyment of our resources. We did all that. So,
How did you move into the INC?
From there, I moved to the INC—not just moved, but registered as a member, at 40. I became an NRC member, (National Representative Council). I served as acting clan chairman twice and was elected chairman. I contested and lost—their EXCOs was a drama. After that drama, a peace and reconciliation committee was set up. They organized another election with a voting process, but the lights were switched off, the generator stopped, and our ballot boxes were stolen and tampered with. We all went home. We tried again, insisting on electronic voting. I was taken to the Government House to step down, but I refused. I’ve contested elections all my life without taking a dime from anyone. If anybody has a record of me seeking funds for myself, let them accuse me. We respect the foundation’s workings.
The IYC’s foundation isn’t capitalist—it’s not to enrich yourself or for materialistic tendencies. It’s focused on working for the people, the interest of the Ijaw and the development of our territory to protect those interests. Any other thing is just temporary honour. I moved from that stage, having served as financial secretary—the last man standing. I refused to leave, became acting president and handed over to Mr. Jonjon Oyoinfie. We avoided factions. The faction we had was to ensure unity. We did all the work and came back smoothly, handing over to Dr. Chris Ekiyor. Some people presented their CVs and made shows for themselves, collecting money. Former Governor Dickson wasn’t happy about the situation—Douye. Diri , now governor of Bayelsa State, was the first organizing secretary. They said we cannot let this continue; we must reconcile. They did, and today, this EXCO hasn’t done badly. I’m not giving kudos to myself—this present EXCO has led without internal conflicts. Even when we have issues they are settled amicably.
Can you let us into your contributions to the growth of the Ijaw nation and your many awards of excellence and recognitions?
I want to inform you of my contributions—you can see I have many awards. I didn’t buy them; I don’t have the money. But these things show contribution. Just on this table, there are about 20 awards. Service to your people is important—that’s service before reward. But nowadays, people want reward before service. In your opinion.
How would you consider the cases of endorsements of aspirants for the position of president in the coming election?
I can tell you with confidence the election will take place smoothly, by God’s grace. We have a new constitution we’re following. If you’re not following it, go read it—not everybody understands. Some haven’t even read it but say they’re contesting. It’s not an all-comers affair. The president is issuing a press release about some people parading and endorsing others. No, this is an ethnic group election, not a political party. We called the president yesterday about endorsements in the Western Zone. He will soon release the statement.
What I’m saying is: if you want to contest, must we blackmail each other? We’re leaders of organizations. I wasn’t disgraced from where I worked. We have challenges, but this isn’t a political party where you question my grandmother’s origin before giving me a chance. No, we’re brothers and sisters. That’s why here, we love one another and play like children. On social media, my supporters are everywhere. In these past four years, God has blessed me with ideas. I wouldn’t sell them now because people steal ideas. Three journalists called me today; I said no—what you want is my ideas. The first priority for anyone contesting is to be steadfast and purposeful, ensuring our nation is at peace. Some contestant can’t name four communities, or even three or two. Some worry about individuals. You stay in one place making noise, turning the INC into a personality business. We must move from elitism way to people-oriented organization—from conservative to progressive-radical issues. We need to move forward, digitizing and globalizing our concept for the contemporary situation. I’m moving side by side with the world; it’s no longer analogue. Just gathering people and talking and getting applause? No, we’ve gone beyond that. People want to see actions. I moved from advocacy to attaching philanthropic matters to my movement because people asked. That’s why I founded the Nengi James Foundation, and for years, I’ve been doing a lot. That’s why I received the National Honour Award.
If I can put what I’m doing in the foundation collectively into Ijaw affairs—aggregating justice, equity, and progress in the Nigerian state—that’s what we need. Some of my ideas include a project called “Making the Elders Smile.” Elders just want gifts—that concept works. I go to communities for the interest of individuals and the collective interest of the Ijaw nation and its affairs. Nigeria’s economy relies on our oil and gas, so we must change strategy on Nigerian state issues. To do that, you need an arbitrator—I’m a chartered arbitrator. As I speak, I’m Chairman of the Bayelsa Branch of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. I’m a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, member Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) and over six to seven institutions.
It’s because of exposure and relationships. God has given me the potential to lead people. All my life, apart from civil society work, I am salaried. I work as deputy director in the ministry of youth. I was fighting in the jungle—that’s when IYC was formed. People may mistake me for police because of my relationship with big men from years of advocacy. After all, some of the people using it against me are the same people I fought for.
Can you clarify your connection with the police, given accusations that you are a spy policeman?
My cousin is a deputy Commissioner of police and I have brothers and friends in the police force. However, I have never worked for the police myself. Some people mistakenly label me as a policeman due to my relationships and my advocacy for the Ijaw nation, including my efforts to support police-related causes. For example, in 2001 and 2002, I helped secure the release of some young men who were at risk of being killed and they are still alive and doing well today. The commissioner of police in Anambra is a friend and my long-standing advocacy may give the impression of a closer connection to the police. However, those who criticize me often fail to acknowledge their own contributions to the Ijaw nation. I challenge them, what have they done for our cause? It’s not just about talking—action matters. When I was elected vice president of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), where were these critics? They were absent. Some of those attacking me, even blackmailing me, are not even registered members of the INC. Our membership list, digitized and verified by the secretary, confirms this. These individuals are not actively participating in our programmes and we will ensure accountability. We are not at war—others are welcome to join us, and we pray for unity despite challenges. Politics shouldn’t sway us. Many have contested for leadership roles in the past, and some are no longer with us. I remain steadfast and unmoved by these attacks.
How is your relationship with the INC President, Prof. Okaba?
My relationship with Prof. Okaba is excellent. Just this morning, we were together, interacting like a family. When I support someone, I do so wholeheartedly—that’s my principle. If I don’t support you, I’ll say so openly, without regret, even if you take me to the moon. The president and I may disagree on certain issues, but that’s normal. We discuss, debate, and move forward. As a stakeholder, he has one vote, just like anyone else. During our election, some past presidents opposed us, and there were numerous petitions against me—even within my own family. But I stood firm, pointing to the constitution: no one has convicted me of any wrong doing. Accusations about bankruptcy or other issues are baseless. Some still call me a policeman, but even if I were, so what? Major Generals, Rear Admirals, and Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) are all members of the INC—check our list. My position is clear: I’m not in the military or police. This work isn’t easy, but I’m committed. For instance, we once convinced Alamieyeseigha to withdraw from a political contest on election day. This isn’t about ethnic rivalry or Nigerian politics—it’s about doing what’s right.
