YENAGOA — The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people, has reiterated its call for the creation of two additional states—Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers—citing decades of political marginalization and environmental degradation.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, stressed that despite being the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria and hosting four of the country’s major oil export terminals, the Ijaw people have suffered immense neglect.
Prof. Okaba, flanked by key INC leaders, unveiled the proposed map for the two states.
Toru-Ebe State would span local government areas in Delta, Edo, and Ondo states, with Burutu as its capital.
Oil Rivers State would cover Ijaw LGAs in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, with Southern Harcourt City proposed as its capital.
He emphasized that the creation of these states is vital for political inclusion, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the Ijaw region.
“The creation of these two additional states is one of the crucial, sensitive, and prescient irreducible conditions for the continuous commitment of the Ijaw people to the Nigerian project,” Okaba stated.
He lamented the lack of federal presence in Ijaw territory, noting the absence of federal roads, universities, and critical infrastructure despite the region’s significant contribution to the national economy through oil and gas resources.
Prof. Okaba highlighted the severe environmental degradation caused by oil spills, gas flaring, and ecological destruction, which threaten the survival of Ijaw communities. He argued that statehood would empower the Ijaw people to enforce environmental protection policies and pursue sustainable development.
The INC urged the National Assembly to prioritize the demand for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers states in the ongoing constitutional review process.
“We call on the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all distinguished members of the National Assembly to seize this moment in history and act in the interest of justice,” Okaba said.
He described the demand as a historic step toward justice, equity, and peace in the Niger Delta, adding that it would correct historical injustices, foster economic development, and secure a better future for the Ijaw people.
The INC expressed confidence that the creation of the states would address political exclusion and promote national cohesion. They also called on all Ijaw sons and daughters, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, to support the cause for fairness and equity.
