INC Election: Elder Ogoriba Pledges to Fast-Track Ijaw Agitations, Push for Creation of New States
A leading contender for the presidency of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide, Elder Timi Kaiser-Wilhelm Ogoriba, has assured that his administration will fast-track the Ijaw nation’s agitations for equity, justice, fairness, self-determination, and resource control.
He also pledged to pursue the creation of Obolo, Oli Rivers, and Toru Ebe states as part of efforts to address the balkanization of Ijaw people across several states in the Niger Delta region.
Elder Ogoriba gave the assurance on Wednesday while addressing a joint meeting of the INC Western Zone executive and the Clan Chairmen and Secretaries Forum during his campaign visit to Warri, Delta State. He lamented what he described as the continued deprivation and suppression of the Ijaw people, often referred to as “the goose that lays the golden egg.”
A prominent signatory to the Kaiama Declaration and founding member of the INC, Elder Ogoriba stated that his leadership would provide a firm, experienced, and credible voice for the Ijaw nation.
He added that his administration would not only strengthen ongoing agitations but also refine their strategies while working with the incoming executive council to generate funds from three undisclosed sources to support the congress.
Speaking to journalists, Chairman of the INC Western Zone, Barrister Priye Noel Kuete, described Ogoriba as a mentor to many and a symbol of unity within the Ijaw nation. He expressed confidence in Ogoriba’s capacity and competence to lead, noting that his name has long been synonymous with the struggle for Ijaw rights.
Also lending their support, the Chairman of all Clan Chairmen in the Western Zone, Hon. Edmund Forcados, alongside the Chairman of Apoi Clan in Ondo State, Pharmacist Bamidale Geregha, called on delegates to back Ogoriba’s candidacy. They described his years of dedicated advocacy for the Ijaw nation as deserving of broad support.
Several members of Ogoriba’s campaign slate were present at the meeting, including Wisdom Ikuli (Publicity Secretary), Pastor Victor Burubo (National Vice President 2), Engr. Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha (National Vice President 1), Athanasius Eneyo (National Secretary), Clement Ebiyekon (National Vice President 3), and Dr. Lolo Hailsham (National Financial Secretary).
Others are Ekine Ekeigbeye (National Welfare Secretary), Chief Kalaiti Jephthah (National Auditor), Sam Uroupa (National Organising Secretary), Dr. Kio Anyanate (National Secretary), Elder Gabriel Benamaisia (National Auditor), Barr. Jonathan Asueni (National Assistant Secretary), and another candidate for the position of National Treasurer.
