Can Ijaw Nation Achieve True Reconciliation Without Justice: The Case Of INC

WISDOM ONIEKPAR IKULI

Ijaws always sermonize and sloganize that the word “IZON” means TRUTH. But the above is relative. It has never been absolute otherwise, it is supposed to remain absolute at all times and also prevail at all times, no matter the situation.

I say the above because in ideal situations especially in the spirit of love and brotherhood, those who were hurt, manipulated and offended during the recent 2026 Ijaw National Congress (INC) National Election are supposed to be accorded high sense of belonging.

True Reconciliation by brothers entails a situation where all injured parties are appeased and pacified.

There is a Latin maxim in law, “Ubi Jus ibi Remedium,” that simply means, where there is right, there is a remedy.

Ijaw people bought forms to contest to serve Ijaw Nation in different capacities in INC.

Because of the above quest and desire for service, they spent so much money to travel around the whole Ijaw Nation visiting and consulting elders, leaders, and delegates to lobby for support.

Some traveled to meet with Ijaw people in Abuja, Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, and others more than once.

Besides the huge amounts that they spent on flights, road and boat transportation, accommodation, feeding and drinks, and envelopes during those visits and consultations, the risk factor was also so much too.

During the above period, their respective families suffered the absence of their loved ones. Their families also suffered financial challenges because monies that were supposed to be channeled to solving family problems were rather used for INC activities.

In the end, the INC election went the way the world saw it.

If in the spirit of love, peace, unity, brotherhood and our Ijawness, those who suffered injuries are prevailed upon to accept the outcome, ideally, there is supposed to be a remedy to cushion the pains of the injury.

In IYC, we have witnessed several occasions where elders and elders and government sat, and at the end, they created win-win situations where all parties were given a sense of belonging. It even happened in the just concluded 2026 IYC National election.

In the case of IYC, besides the monetary compensation to cushion the financial losses, there were several cases where government appointments and even contracts were awarded to people who suffered injuries in the course of their strong desires to serve Ijaw Nation.

Moving forward, I wish to humbly call the attention of our father and great leader, His Excellency, Very Distinguished Senator Douye Diri, the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation to the above situation.

Some illustrious sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation have suffered serious financial injuries in their quest to serve the Ijaw Nation. Also, in loyalty and obedience to appeals and directives of Ijaw elders and leaders, the same injured people have withdrawn all court cases relating to the INC election.

These patriotic sons and daughters of the Ijaw Nation deserve a high level of commendation and compensation.

As I conclude this piece, I commend Gov. Douye Diri for his non-interference disposition in INC and IYC elections. I appreciate the free hand he has given to the leadership of the two apex socio-cultural organizations in Ijaw Nation and the maximum support he gives to both bodies.

– Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli
Former Aspirant
National Publicity Secretary
INC.