Ijaw Leaders Should Call Prof. Benjamin Okaba To Order Before He Plunges Ijaw Nation Into Avoidable Crisis

But in the face of death was Martin Niemöller (1892–1984). He was a German pastor who constantly spoke against the evil deeds of Hitler. He also spoke about the danger of apathy and silence in the face of tyranny. Even millions of Germans and others were against the tyrannical leadership of Hitler, multitudes were afraid to speak out because of fear of death.

Niemöller wrote a quote that many see and even use as a poem:

“First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

— Martin Niemöller

NOW, THE CRUX IN INC

Prof. Okaba became INC President because the entire Ijaw Nation vehemently opposed government’s attempt to super impose their own candidate on the sensibilities of Ijaw people.

Sadly, Okaba who was the chief beneficiary of the goodwill of Ijaw people, is now caught in the web of super imposition.

His attempt to super impose his choice candidates in the forthcoming INC election is threatening to cause avoidable crisis in the Ijaw Nation.

HOW THE ELECTORAL COMMITTEE (ELECO) WAS FORMED

The INC National Executive Council (NEC) is made up of 14-members that is headed by the President, in this case President Okaba.

Out of the 14 outgoing NEC members, 9 of them are seeking reelection.

The 9 NEC members who are seeking reelection into other offices were asked by Prof. Okaba to nominate members of the Electoral Committee. He also made his nomination.

Instead of allowing the various zones to nominate their representatives into the ELECO, they were handpicked. So, how do we expect a free, fair and credible election?

The ELECO from the beginning was programmed to do the bidding of Prof. Okaba and his cronies.

PROCUREMENT OF THE ONLINE VOTING PLATFORM

It is on good record that it was Prof. Okaba that procured the vendor cum consultant for the proposed E-Voting platform.

The Online platform is already compromised and programmed in favour of Okaba’s choice candidates.

THE PLACE OF CONFERENCE OF IJAW TRADITIONAL RULERS AND ELDERS (CITRE)

Besides the National Convention, CITRE is the only organ of INC that has the power to discipline erring members of INC-NEC.

INC Constitution also empowers CITRE to handle all issues, including pre and post INC Election issues.

It was based on the above power that is vested on CITRE that it was charged with the responsibility of resolving all contentious issues resulting from the suspended INC election that was seller scheduled for 7th March, 2026.

However, instead of allowing CITRE to perform her constitutional duties, Prof. Okaba took up their responsibilities running from one Presidential candidate to the other. He even went as far as preparing a purported agreement for aggrieved candidates to sign.

FUNDING OF PURPORTED RESCHEDULED ELECTION

Because of the desperation of Prof. Okaba, he has even gone to make an arrangement with an Urhobo person that will borrow him money to use for the purported Monday 13th April, 2026 rescheduled election.

Is it not shameful for Prof. Okaba to go this far?

Why will he go and arrange with an Urhobo person to borrow money to fund INC election. Who will pay back the loan?

Did the Bayelsa State Government told Prof. Okaba that it will not fund the INC after settlement of all contending issues?

Why has Prof. Okaba refused to honour the position of the government that CITRE should handle all contending issues?

Why was CITRE not consulting by Prof. Okaba and his handpicked ELECO before taking their purported new date?

MY VINDICATION

I am happy that I have been vindicated. When I told Ijaw Nation that the ELECO that purportedly disqualified me and other candidates acted unlawfully against INC Constitution, some persons felt we were trying to cause unnecessary problems.

Moving forward, Ijaw Nation should call Prof. Okaba to order before he plunges Ijaw Nation into avoidable crisis.

Finally, I wish to reiterate my earlier withdrawal from the ongoing INC Election. I have moved on.

– Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli