INC Raises Red Flag Over Anti–Toru-Ibe State Motion, Warns Against Rewriting Ijaw History and Destabilising Niger Delta Peace
INC Raises Red Flag Over Anti–Toru-Ibe State Motion, Warns Against Rewriting Ijaw History and Destabilising Niger Delta Peace
INTRODUCTION
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, has issued a forceful and historic condemnation of a motion sponsored by Rt. Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion on the floor of the House of Representatives, which seeks to exclude Ijaw communities in Edo State from the proposed Toru-Ibe State.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, LLM, Chairman of the INC Western Zone (Delta, Edo and Ondo States), the congress described the motion as reckless, provocative, historically dishonest and constitutionally arrogant, warning that such actions possess the dangerous capacity to ignite avoidable ethnic tension in Edo State and across the Niger Delta.
The INC did not mince words: this was not merely a disagreement over state creation, but a direct challenge to Ijaw history, indigeneity, constitutional rights and the fragile peace of the Niger Delta.
THE CONTROVERSIAL MOTION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS
Rt. Hon. Omosede Igbinedion’s motion, which objects to the inclusion of Edo riverine Ijaw communities in the Toru-Ibe State proposal, was framed as a defense of Edo territorial integrity and Benin historical heritage.
However, the INC argues that the motion goes far beyond legitimate legislative concern. According to the congress, it dangerously attempts to politically erase Ijaw communities, portray them as encroachers on their ancestral lands, and criminalise a constitutionally recognised agitation for self-determination.
The INC warned that no individual—regardless of office, influence or political lineage—has the moral or constitutional authority to misrepresent history, inflame ethnic sentiments, or delegitimise the ancestral existence of the Ijaw people in Edo State under the guise of parliamentary authority.
A CLEAR WARNING: DO NOT TOY WITH NIGER DELTA PEACE
In one of the most striking portions of its statement, the INC issued a clear and unmistakable warning:
“Do not play with the fragile peace of the Niger Delta.”
The congress reminded political actors that peace in the Niger Delta was not accidental. It came through decades of sacrifice, restraint, dialogue and painful concessions—particularly by the Ijaw nation—choosing constitutional engagement over violent confrontation.
The INC cautioned that any attempt to erase Ijaw identity, label Ijaw communities as settlers, or pre-emptively shut down their constitutional rights risks reopening historical wounds and reversing the stability painstakingly achieved in the region.
The congress further stated that it would not accept responsibility for the consequences of irresponsible political grandstanding that disregards the delicate ethnic balance of the South-South.
HISTORY IS NOT DECIDED BY MOTIONS
Central to the INC’s rebuttal is the rejection of claims that the affected riverine communities are exclusively Benin lands. The congress described this narrative as a historical falsehood repeatedly recycled for political convenience.
According to the INC:
Long before colonial boundaries,
Long before modern Edo State,
Long before contemporary political structures,
Ijaw people occupied, governed, fished, traded and established settlements across these riverine territories.
The congress was emphatic:
History is not decided by motions.Ancestry is not cancelled by resolutions.Indigeneity is not erased by parliamentary votes.
STATE CREATION IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT
The INC stressed that the agitation for Toru-Ibe State is not criminal, extremist or aggressive. Rather, it is:
Constitutionally guaranteed under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
Peaceful, democratic and people-driven
A response to decades of marginalisation, neglect and exclusion
To frame this aspiration as an attempt to “take Edo land,” the INC argued, is deliberately inflammatory and intellectually dishonest, designed to mobilise fear rather than foster dialogue.
NO ETHNIC GROUP OWNS THE FEDERATION
In a powerful assertion of Nigeria’s federal character, the INC declared that no ethnic nationality—however ancient—has veto power over another people’s future.
Nigeria, the congress noted, is a federation, not an ethnic estate. Attempts to intimidate minorities through legislative motions will be resisted through lawful, constitutional and organised means.
Peace, the INC warned, must never be mistaken for weakness, and restraint must not be misread as surrender.
INC’S FIVE CLEAR DEMANDS
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), Western Zone, therefore:
Condemns the motion in its entirety as provocative and anti-minority.
Demands an immediate halt to legislative actions capable of inciting ethnic tension in Edo State.
Calls on Rt. Hon. Omosede Igbinedion to retract and moderate her stance in the interest of peace.
Insists that Toru-Ibe State be subjected strictly to due constitutional process, not ethnic intimidation.
Warns all political actors to refrain from actions that could destabilise the Niger Delta.
FINAL WORD: PEACE WITH DIGNITY
The INC concluded its position with a final caution to all stakeholders: the Ijaw people remain committed to dialogue, constitutionalism and coexistence, but will firmly resist any attempt to erase their people, their history or their future.
The statement, signed by Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, LLM, stands not just as a protest, but as a historic reminder that unity in diversity must be built on truth, justice and mutual respect—not political intimidation.
Author:
Tags:
INC, Ijaw National Congress, Toru-Ibe State, Edo State Politics, Niger Delta Peace, State Creation, Minority Rights, Nigerian Constitution, South-South Politics
Facebook Caption:
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has raised a red flag over a controversial motion against Toru-Ibe State, warning that history cannot be rewritten and Niger Delta peace must not be toyed with. Read the full report.
Source: Ijaw National Congress (INC) Western Zone Statement / Nigerian media reports on Toru-Ibe State agitation.
Comments