By Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The president of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has stated that the Congress, under his leadership, is strong and united to pursue all of their goals to a logical conclusion, especially the demands presented before President Mohammadu Buhari.
Okaba spoke against the backdrop of claims that the INC leadership does not have a healthy relationship among themselves, pointing out that, as a resolute body, they had already told President Buhari that failure to meet the demands before him would lead to the declaration of the Ijaw Republic.
However, he said, the final ratification on the declaration of the Ijaw Republic depends on the outcome of the proposed all Ijaw Elders’ conference, as the demands before President Buhari include issues of true federalism, resources control and self-determination.
Okaba, who took office as the president general of all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region, stated this on Tuesday at a reception organised by the people of Akassa, Brass and Nembe clans in honour of the national vice-president (2) of the INC, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio and the national legal adviser, Mrs. Bomo Tom’s Fetefigi-Obhe.
On their parts, the Chief Nengi James, and Mrs Bomo Tom’s Fetefigi-Obhe, INC second vice president and legal adviser, respectively, who were honoured with an Ambassador for Service Award, thanked God and their people for the recognition.
According to them, the recognition from their people will not only spur them to deliver on their election promises, but to do more for the Ijaw nation.
Earlier, the chairman at the occasion, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, the Obanobhan the third of Ogbia Kingdom, expressed confidence in the current leadership of the INC in engagement of the Nigerian government over the demands of the Ijaw nation, noting that Ijaws should not be linked to other ethnic groups.
Orient Daily reports that the ceremony, which had the Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King (Dr) Edmund Daukoru in attendance, saw to the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award to Senator Nimi Barigha-Amange in recognition of his excellent service to Nembe, Akassa, Ogbia clans and the Ijaw nation.