The INC is the highest body of the Ijaw nation, nobody dictates to the INC - Outgoing President Okaba

Outgoing President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, on Thursday delivered a valedictory address in Warri, formally handling over leadership to incoming president High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei and declaring that: “The INC is the highest body of the Ijaw nation. Nobody dictates to the INC.”

Speaking at the inauguration in Warri, Okaba said his administration’s central mission was to remove the INC from the control of “self-styled elites” who believed the organization could not function without them.

“Today, INC belongs to everybody. Because in INC, nobody is more Ijaw than the other person,” he told traditional rulers, political leaders, youth and women’s groups, and delegates gathered for the inauguration of the 9th National Executive Council.

Okaba recalled that he and 13 other members were elected on April 30, 2021, and inaugurated on May 14, 2021, as the 8th National Executive Council. Their five-year mandate expired at 12:01 p.m. on May 14, 2026, following a formal handover ceremony held the previous day.

He said the April 13 election that produced the new leadership was sanctioned by the Ijaw people, with over 600 delegates voting. “It is better to swear in those who have been voted for so they can carry on the leadership of the Ijaw nation and address whatever concerns befall us today,” he said.

The outgoing president said the INC had moved “from lamentation to constructive engagement,” achieving international visibility during his tenure. He cited the organization’s registration as a member of the UN Unrepresented Peoples’ Organization (UNPO), which now gives the Ijaw nation a seat in that global body.

“When we came on board, we met an INC that was comatose. Today, INC has become an international brand,” Okaba said, noting that all projects and programs were documented for the incoming leadership.

Sebsequently, Okaba issued a firm warning against unconstitutional attempts to seize leadership of the INC. 

“If you are interested in becoming president, the process is simple: go and buy the form and contest the election. Passing through the back door is not permitted,” he said. “We have defended this gavel, and I will hand it over today ceremoniously to the chief.”

He urged the new executive to consolidate the gains of the 8th NEC, correct mistakes made, and advance ongoing programs, particularly the INC’s engagement with the UNPO.

Okaba thanked traditional rulers from the Eastern, Central, and Western zones, including those from Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, and Abia states, as well as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and all dignitaries present. 

“The greatest dream in my heart was to be voted into power and to hand over the gavel to another person elected by the Ijaw people. That dream is fulfilled today,” he said.

He closed by expressing gratitude to the Ijaw nation and to God for a peaceful and orderly transition of leadership.