Ijaw nation seeks creation of two new states, demands additional 33 LGs in Bayelsa

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called for the creation of two additional states as part of the ongoing constitution review.

Benjamin Okaba, president-general of INC, made the proposal in a memorandum submitted at the national assembly constitution review hearing for the south-south zone.

He said the demand for the creation of Toru-Ebe state is aimed at addressing the long-standing yearnings and aspirations of the people for justice, peace, stability, self-determination, and development.

“We reaffirm our demand for the creation of two additional homogeneous Ijaw states — Toru-Ebe, comprising Ijaws in Delta, Edo, and Ondo; and Oil Rivers, made up of Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa Ibom,” he said.

“The territorial configuration of the proposed Toru-Ebe state includes only Ijaw clans in the present Delta, Edo, and Ondo states.

“These distinct yet culturally homogeneous clans of the Ijaw ethnic nationality — customary owners of all the land, living in a geographically contiguous territory of their own — have been deliberately balkanised into different political and administrative units in the country. They are the ones demanding the creation of the proposed state.”

The INC president said that despite contributing significant oil revenue, the Ijaw communities have been left behind in terms of development.

According to him, the 13 percent derivation fund received by the states has not translated into meaningful infrastructure in Ijaw areas.

“Modern infrastructure and social services such as schools, hospitals, and potable water are almost non-existent in Ijaw communities, especially in Edo,” he said.

“Due to this fragmentation, it has become impossible for an Ijaw person in Edo to even become a ward councillor.”

The INC president added that the neglect has caused large-scale rural-urban migration, leading to a loss of cultural identity.

Okaba said the proposed Toru-Ebe state, with an estimated population of 2.7 million, is rich in natural resources and economic potential.

“We also propose Oil Rivers state, comprising Ijaws in Rivers and Akwa Ibom,” he said.

“This area remains the most naturally blessed but environmentally degraded in the entire world, with massive oil spills and gas flaring threatening the very survival of the people.

“Just like our counterparts in Edo, the Ijaws — especially in Akwa Ibom — are left with no basic infrastructure, electricity, or healthcare services.

“There is no meaningful state or federal government infrastructure in these Ijaw communities.

“Due to the long period of fragmentation, many Ijaw communities face cultural extinction, with some losing their native language and traditions.

“With the creation of Oil Rivers state, the rich heritage and environment of our people can be resuscitated.

“The proposed Oil Rivers state — with Isaka Town, located in the northern part of Okrika local government area, as its capital — is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, such as vast mangrove forests, rich fishery and agricultural potentials, a palm oil industry, tourism opportunities, natural harbours, and oil and gas reserves, with over 30 major oil and gas fields, making it economically viable.”

‘BAYELSA UNDERREPRESENTED’

Okaba also demanded 33 additional local government areas for Bayelsa, saying the oil-producing state is underrepresented with only eight councils despite its huge contribution to national revenue.

The INC president said that as of 2022, Bayelsa accounted for between 35 and 45 percent of Nigeria’s total oil production.

“In terms of GDP, the state’s contribution stands at $4.3 billion, with a GDP per capita of $1,773, according to 2020 rankings,” Okaba said.

“The state’s economy is largely driven by the petroleum industry, with crude oil and natural gas as major contributors.

“The state, therefore, has a critical role in the actualisation of Mr President’s projection to meet the OPEC quota of 2.06 million barrels per day.

“We also propose an additional 33 local government areas for Bayelsa, which currently has just eight.

“We all know that eight LGAs for Bayelsa is an injustice in many ramifications — in terms of federal resource allocation and fair representation.

“Our other concerns include the protection and remediation of our environment, equitable federal resource contribution through resource control and tax payments, and a truly federal constitution without a unitary character.

“We also want the reintegration of Ijaws through the wholesale prosecution of the Ijaw struggle for self-determination, which has lasted centuries.”

Okaba proposed an amendment to Section 3(1) of the 1999 Constitution to allow for a regional structure.

He recommended the establishment of 10 federating units based on a reconfiguration of Nigeria’s current six geopolitical zones.

The house of representatives committee on constitution review said it had received 46 proposals for new states and 117 requests for local government areas.

The proposals, it said, were submitted by various interest groups across the country’s six geopolitical zones.