Diri Calls on Ijaw Activists to Keep Pushing for New States

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has called on the Ijaw people and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to continue their campaign for the formation of additional states.

This appeal was made during the 2026 INC National Convention held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa on Friday.

Diri urged his compatriots not to waver in their quest for two new states from the three previously proposed by the ethnic group.

The governor also stated that he does not have a preferred candidate among the five contenders for the INC presidency.

He reiterated his support for genuine fiscal federalism, criticizing Nigeria’s current framework as akin to “unitary federalism.”

Diri argued that states, including Bayelsa, would experience enhanced development if they managed all resources independently and paid taxes to the federal government.

Reflecting on past efforts, he noted,” We have struggled. Today we have one state, Bayelsa. The INC under Chief Joshua Fumudoh requested three states: Oil Rivers, Bayelsa, and Toru-Ibe. This indicates that we still need to pursue the creation of two additional states as the Ijaw nation and the INC. Our journey is not over. If we cannot achieve this within our time, we will pass it on to our future generations.

He lamented the environmental and social injustices faced by the Ijaw communities despite their contributions to the nation, stating, "Our lands and waters have sustained this nation and powered its economy, yet we are left to endure environmental destruction and social inequalities. Economic disparities, environmental harm, and inadequate infrastructure remain severe challenges that require commitment from local and national levels.

"Though the challenges are daunting, our youth possess the resilience and spirit necessary to confront them," he remarked.

Diri urged candidates vying in Saturday's elections to prioritize the collective welfare of the Ijaw people over personal aspirations. He praised the outgoing INC President, Benjamin Okaba, and his executive team for their leadership and collaboration with the government.

Additionally, he acknowledged their initiatives aimed at gaining official recognition for the Ijaw nation within the United Nations’ Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organisation.

Diri emphasized the need for the upcoming leadership to revitalize Ijaw cultural values and language while fulfilling the visions of their forebearers.

In his address, outgoing President Okaba, a professor, highlighted the necessity of a more robust global engagement strategy for the Ijaw struggle, asserting that the ethnic group remains crucial to Nigeria’s economic foundation. He advocated for a transition from protest-led advocacy to strategic international partnerships and characterized the convention as a pivotal moment for leadership transition.

Okaba noted that despite the Ijaw nation's significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector, it still faces environmental neglect and infrastructural inadequacies. He introduced new initiatives, including a Territorial Mapping Project aimed at digitally cataloging Ijaw ancestral lands for environmental oversight and resource negotiations. Furthermore, he announced the registration of 15 affiliate groups by the INC to enhance unity and amplify the Ijaw voice locally and abroad.