By Favour Bibaikefie

Editor-in-Chief/Publisher, IduwiniVoice Newspaper

The immediate past President of the Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has formally bowed out of office after five years of leadership, declaring that the Ijaw struggle has shifted “from militancy to the intellectualization of the struggle.”

Okaba made the declaration on Thursday during his valedictory address delivered at the inauguration ceremony of the new National Executive Council of the INC held at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground in Ogbeh-Ijo Kingdom, Delta State.

In an emotional but reflective speech, the former INC President described his administration as one that revived the Congress from institutional collapse and repositioned the Ijaw struggle on the global stage.

“The 14th of May 2026 marks exactly five years since you entrusted me with the mandate to lead our great Congress,” Okaba stated. “I stand before you not to boast, but to give a solemn account of our shared stewardship.”

He recalled that when his administration assumed office on May 14, 2021, the INC had “been in a comatose state for seven long years — without a leader and without a voice to speak for the Ijaw nation.”

According to him, his administration anchored its vision on “the internationalisation of the Ijaw cause, the definition and defense of Ijaw territorial identity, and constructive political and constitutional engagement.”

Among the major achievements highlighted by Okaba was the revitalization of the INC structure across zones, clans, chapters, and affiliated bodies.

“Within the very first year of this administration, the first issue we handled upon assuming office was to put in place the various tiers of government of the INC,” he said.

The outgoing President also celebrated the production of what he described as the first-ever Pan-Ijaw Territorial Map, insisting that the initiative was aimed at protecting the historical and territorial identity of the Ijaw people.

“For the first time in our history, as a people we now have a Pan-Ijaw map that captures all Ijaw territories within Nigeria,” he declared.

Okaba further reaffirmed the INC’s support for Siminalayi Fubara amid the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, stating: “Governor Siminalayi Fubara is our son, and we stood resolutely in defence of his mandate.”

On constitutional restructuring, he revealed that the INC under his leadership formally demanded the creation of Toru-Ebe State and Oil Rivers State during the National Assembly Constitution Review process, alongside the creation of 33 additional local government areas for Bayelsa State.

“These demands are aimed at correcting the decades-long deliberate balkanization of Ijaw communities,” he noted.

The former INC President also emphasized efforts made toward preserving Ijaw culture, language, and history, including the production of a historical publication titled Ijaw Heritage through Centuries: Origin, Culture and Experiences through the Association of Ijaws in Academics.

In addition, he announced that the 2026 National Convention approved the recognition of 23 additional Ijaw clans and endorsed the inclusion of women into the INC Board of Trustees.

One of the most significant milestones of the administration, according to Okaba, was the admission of the Ijaw Nation into the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples Organization (UNPO) on October 29, 2025.

“This monumental victory marks our rightful entry onto the global stage,” he said, adding that the development provides the Ijaw people “a legitimate platform to amplify our voice.”

He also referenced the 2022 World Ijaw National Congress held in Houston, Texas, which produced the “Houston Declaration” and led to the recognition of July 5 as “Ijaw Day” by the Mayor of Houston in the United States.

The outgoing President did not shy away from the challenges faced during his tenure, including oil spill disasters, internal disagreements, and the inability of the INC to attain financial independence.

“The inability of past administrations and ours to transform the INC into a self-funding organization… is a major concern the incoming NEC must take very seriously,” he warned.

Okaba, however, commended the Justice Tabai-led electoral committee for conducting what he described as a “free, fair, credible and exemplary election” despite “destructive and divisive encumbrances.”

In a direct message to his successor, High Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei, the former President urged the new leadership to pursue reconciliation and sustain the momentum of international advocacy.

“Our Ijaw Republic is not just a mere dream. It is a destination,” Okaba declared. “Continue the fight for Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states, and more LGAs for Bayelsa State.”

He further advised the incoming leadership to “deepen the intellectual struggle” through research and policy engagement, particularly on issues of fiscal federalism and self-determination.

While appealing for unity among Ijaw people across the various zones, Okaba maintained that “nobody, whether from Central, Eastern or Western Zones, is more Ijaw than others.”

He concluded his address with an appeal for forgiveness from those he may have offended during his tenure and expressed gratitude to supporters and critics alike.

“To those who insulted me, criticised everything I did, correctly or for lack of understanding, I wish to also appreciate you. You kept me on my toes,” he said.

Addressing the new leadership one final time, Okaba charged Igbadiwei to lead courageously despite inevitable criticism.

“You will be criticised. You will be tested. But remember: the Ijaw nation is watching, and the Niger Delta is waiting. Lead well,” he concluded.