…vows to champion true federalism, resource control

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Elder Timi Kaiser-Wilhelm Ogoriba has formally joined the race for the presidency of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), picking up his interest form amid a carnival-like atmosphere at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Ogoriba, a veteran activist and prominent figure in the Ijaw struggle for equity and justice, said he is contesting to reposition the INC and advance the collective interests of the Ijaw nation.

Banking on decades of experience and strong relationships with leading Ijaw figures, Ogoriba pledged to champion true federalism, resource control, unity among Ijaw people, and the strengthening of the INC if elected.

He said uniting the Ijaw nation and addressing critical challenges confronting the people would be his top priority.

“It is time for a new executive council. I am contesting for the presidency to drive the change the Ijaw people desire,” he said.

Expressing confidence in his candidacy, Ogoriba described himself as the right man for the job, citing his experience, capacity, and vision to lead the INC at a critical period in its history.

“We have done a lot from the trenches. We have struggled. When the INC was formed in 1991, many people did not know how we managed it. Now that the organisation is blossoming, everybody wants to be part of it,” he stated.

Ogoriba noted that the Ijaw nation is currently facing serious challenges, including insecurity and internal disunity, stressing the need to consolidate efforts to address them.

“We have vouched for the Izon people before, and we want to do so again, especially at these critical times. We are disunited, and we must cement our unity,” he said.

He also reiterated the long-standing demand for the creation of Toru-Ibé State and Oil Rivers State, noting that the INC platform would be used to engage stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians in achieving those goals.

“We have all that it takes. Everybody wants to associate with us. We will work with stakeholders and people from other ethnic groups to ensure the Izon people get to where they should be. This will not be a one-man effort, and we will not resort to militancy again,” Ogoriba said.

“But when push comes to shove, we will use refined and lawful methods to ensure that what rightly belongs to us is given to us.”

Ogoriba, who served as the pioneer President of the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) and is one of the architects of the Kaiama Declaration, said the INC must remain focused on its core mandate.

“We started this struggle and we understand its details. The INC should not be used as a platform for other interests. It must remain a platform for the emancipation of our people, self-recognition, resource control, and the practice of true federalism,” he added.

He urged all stakeholders to join him in the quest, stressing that the task ahead requires collective effort.

“This is a collective struggle, not a one-man show,” he said.

Ogoriba’s entry into the race has continued to attract widespread support, with many commending his vision, experience, and long-standing dedication to the Ijaw cause.

The INC presidential election is scheduled to hold on March 7, 2026.