The struggle for the emancipation cum liberation of the Ijaw nation from economic and political servitude has been fought from different fronts, platforms and umbrellas

Before the first pan-Ijaw youth conference that culminated in the formation of the most revered IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) on the 11th December, 1998 at Kaiama Town, there were several pro-Ijaw groups that were all promoting, protecting and projecting the interest of the Ijaw nation locally and internationally, but the quest for a harmonized position on some sensitive issues among others, gave birth to the formation of IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL which is often described as a child of circumstance and necessity.

The story of IYC is likened to that of the United States of America where thirteen (13) hitherto independent countries came together to form a common alliance and union as a deterrence to their then colonial master (Britain) such that attempt to recolonise any would have incurred the wrath and immediate reaction of the rest. In Political Science, it is called ‘Deterrence Theory’. In the above arrangement, the respective countries sacrificed their status as sovereign, independent nations and decided to take up a new identity of states. They wore the new garb of states with Washington DC as their capital.

The above scenario succinctly describe the story of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) which is an embodiment and conglomeration of various noble and very powerful pro-Ijaw groups that sacrificed and also jettisoned their autonomy, identities and prides because of their love for the peace, unity, growth and development of our great people who sacrifice so much like the goose that lays the Golden Egg but is given small food to sustain it while the laying last. Our people are given peanuts and crumbs while the exploration and exploitation and the ongoing economic and environmental genocide against us last.

During the run down and process of the formation of IYC, there was no individual or group of persons or Ogbo (association) that can claim superiority or supremacy or that he or she sacrificed more than the other. It was a perfect example of a good home where the husband brought money, while the wife cooked and also did proper management of the home front. All groups sacrificed and contributed to what we have today as IYC.

At this point, it is important to pay special tribute to the Movement for the Survival of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSEIND), the Arogbo Freedom Fighters,  MEINBUTUS, ND-HERO, ELIMOTU,  CHIKOKO MOVEMENT, Bayelsa Youth Federation (BAYOF), Movement for Reparation to Ogbia (MORETO), Okpolom-Engenni, Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), National Union of Izon-Ibe Students (NUIS) and other notable Ijaw groups that mobilized thousands of Ijaw youths for that famous, historic and memorable KAIAMA DECLARATION.

Based on the above arrangement and context, the President of the most revered Ijaw Youth Council is the unifying force. The IYC President is the rallying point that brings everybody together from time to time. He is the Crown Prince and Mouthpiece of the Ijaw nation. The loyalty and allegiance of a Crown Prince does not go to any individual but to the entire kingdom and nation.

IYC is a sacred institution that is highly respected and celebrated all over the world because of her positive impacts. Here in Nigeria, it remains the most formidable youth group that Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Middle Belt and other youth groups look up for direction. The President of IYC is the symbol of unity and pride of the Ijaw nation.

Therefore, the President and Commander-in-Chief of Millions of Ijaw youths all over the world cannot be a boy and servant of any individual no matter how highly placed who will determine when and how IYC President will speak and the exact things to say. The President of IYC that many comrades and patriots sacrificed their lives for, cannot be the stooge, surrogate or puppet of any individual.

The Ijaw nation must wake up to the sad realities that we are under attack. We are under the attack of enemies who have reduced us to the shadows of our old selves and glory. Their real motive is to annihilate and exterminate the whole Ijaw nation.

The Ijaw nation has shouldered the economic burden of this great country since the discovery of crude oil and gas in commercial quantity and quality at Oloibiri in 1956, thereby making the Ijaw nation the cradle of crude oil and gas wealth in the whole of West Africa.

They have used our abundant wealth to build beautiful cities, yet our towns and villages where they get the wealth lack all basic social amenities. They our money to build beautiful bridges where there are no creeks and rivers but go to our towns and villages that have creeks and rivers everywhere, there are no roads and bridges. The above is the pitiable situation and conditions we have found ourselves.

Unfortunately and ironically too, it is our renowned enemies, aggressors, oppressors and haters that are now bent and very determined to super impose President of IYC on Ijaw people so that IYC President will be their stooge.

This is a great sacrilege and an abomination that has never happened and I don’t think that right thinking sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation shall allow this impending doom and calamity to befall us. Ijaws have never been conquered and I don’t think that we are so weak to be conquered today.

But if they succeed, the greatest blame should go to our own people (treacherous elders and leaders) who are serving as traitors, co-conspirators and internal collaborators because of the handouts and momentary pots of porridges our slave masters have given to them.

Ijaw Youth Council which has remained our only vocal voice is not for sale. The enemies know the overwhelming powers of IYC and that is the reason they are not sparing anything within their disposal to divide and destroy IYC.

Our great people should rise up and say a thunderous NO to their gimmicks. IYC is not for sale and can never be for sale to people who are chasing our great leaders and heroes around. We cannot sale IYC to people who are bent on silencing every vocal voice in Ijaw land.

This is time to elect IYC President that will be totally independent and remain as a voice for all Ijaw people irrespective of political and religious affiliations.

We need a bold, brave, extra courageous, audacious, sagacious, intelligent, articulate, eloquent, vibrant, productive and very resourceful President of Council.

Haa Izon!

About the Author

Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli was a former National Director of Mobilization and Chairman, Action Committee and one-time Acting President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.