Recent public reactions describing the current situation within the Ijaw nation as a setback reflect a deep and growing concern among our people. These voices must not be ignored or dismissed. They represent the conscience of a people committed to justice, order, and collective dignity.
The strength of the Ijaw nation has always rested on unity, respect for due process, and strict adherence to our constitutional and institutional frameworks. All stakeholders: political leaders, traditional rulers, business leaders, youth constituencies, women leaders, and community voices, bear a collective responsibility to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) as the umbrella socio-cultural body of the Ijaw people.
While efforts and appeals were made in good faith to encourage dialogue and adherence to due process, the discredited executive leadership of the INC has gone ahead with elections regardless. This development is deeply regrettable, unacceptable, and profoundly insulting to the collective sensibilities of the Ijaw people.
Constructive engagement, transparency, and accountability must remain the guiding principles for any legitimate process moving forward. When disagreements are handled outside established constitutional procedures, the result is the erosion of public trust and the weakening of our collective voice.
However, it is necessary to speak plainly and truthfully: what we are witnessing is no longer a mere “setback.” It is a dangerous drift; one that reflects not only internal institutional failings but also clear and troubling signs of external interference aimed at weakening, dividing, and destabilising the Ijaw nation.
We must not be naïve. History has repeatedly shown that divided communities are easier to manipulate, silence, and exploit. The current trajectory bears worrying indicators of coordinated interests: seen and unseen that do not wish the Ijaw nation to remain united, strong, and assertive in the pursuit of its legitimate aspirations.
At this critical moment, the question of leadership becomes unavoidable. Where are our leaders when the very soul of our collective institution is under strain? Silence in the face of institutional breakdown is not neutrality. It risks being interpreted as complicity.
We must be clear: unity without justice is fragile. Unity without accountability is hollow. And unity without vigilance is dangerous.
As Ijaw women, we state unequivocally that we will not be silent. Throughout history, women have stood as stabilizers, truth-tellers, and defenders of the conscience of our people. This moment is no different.
We therefore call for renewed dialogue; anchored on truth, fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to due process. This dialogue must also be informed by a clear awareness of internal weaknesses and external forces seeking to undermine our unity.
We demand transparency.
We demand accountability.
We demand responsible leadership.
The dignity, security, and future of the Ijaw nation are not negotiable.In conclusion, a critical question now confronts us all, boldly and without fear of consequence: if leadership fails to act decisively to correct internal breakdowns and resist external interference, then what remains of our collective moral authority and unity?
History has shown that when institutions fail and people are consistently pushed beyond acceptable limits, they inevitably seek new paths of collective assertion. However, our foremost commitment must remain peace, justice, and the preservation of the Ijaw nation through lawful and principled means.
Signed,
Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, OON
Ijaw Women Rights Group
