Nigeria’s 65th Independence: Ijaws Demand National Dialogue on Resource Control and True Federalism
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has renewed its demand for a national dialogue to resolve Nigeria’s long-standing questions of resource control, environmental justice, and true federalism.
In a statement obtained by PulseNets on Thursday in Abuja, the Global President of the INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, stressed that Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary offers the nation a unique opportunity for a sincere and people-driven conversation.
He told PulseNets that
“this is the time for a genuine national dialogue on fundamental issues of resource control, true federalism, and the rights of nationalities.”
Prof. Okaba learnt from history that the Ijaw nation’s place in the Nigerian project has been marked by betrayal and marginalisation. According to him,
“for the Ijaw nation, the Nigerian project has been a story of broken promises and brazen injustice. While our land and waters have produced the oil and gas that have fueled the nation’s economy for decades, we have been rewarded with nothing but extreme poverty and environmental devastation.”
He explained to PulseNets that the INC’s position was not based on sentiments but on “historical fact and legal rights.” He argued that Nigeria must return to the principle of true federalism, which he said was the very foundation of the country at independence.
Prof. Okaba reported that laws such as the Land Use Decree and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) have failed to reflect real reforms.
“Our environment is continually destroyed through oil spills, just as gas flaring is destroying our ecosystem and livelihoods,” he emphasised.
Reiterating the INC’s resolve, he stated that
“on this 65th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to the global awakening of the Ijaw struggle. Our demand is for the right to manage our resources, protect our environment, and determine our political destinies. Let it be clear, our quest is for justice.”
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PulseNets learnt that the INC views this renewed call not just as an anniversary statement but as a broader reminder to the Nigerian state that sustainable peace and development can only come through justice, equity, and genuine federal restructuring.
