.jpeg "Ijaw concern over marginalization, want equity, justice in FG appointments")
In a formal statement, Professor Benjamin Okaba, the President of the INC, has asserted that the Ijaw community has experienced marginalization in the appointments made by the Tinubu administration.
As to his assertion, the Ijaw community lacks representation within the entirety of the executive branch of the Federal Government, with the exception of a solitary federal ministerial role.
Additionally, he contended that the current appointments exhibit a bias towards a particular ethnic community.
The leader of the INC expressed dissatisfaction with the scenario, deeming it inappropriate for the Ijaw community. He emphasized the significant economic contributions made by the Ijaw people, who constitute a majority in five coastal states of Nigeria.
In response to the prevailing circumstances, the INC has advocated for the recruitment of an individual from the Ijaw ethnic group to assume the position of Managing Director at the Nigerian Ports Authority.
We firmly assert our demand that the position of Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority be filled by an individual of Ijaw descent, leaving no room for ambiguity.
This is due to the absence of any individual of Ijaw descent holding the aforementioned position from the inception of the organization in 1955.
We advocate for the inclusion of our representation on all boards and parastatals associated with the marine economy in Nigeria.
It is imperative that the government refrains from the exploitation of our land, seafront, and territory without the inclusion of representatives who are nominated from within our populace, as they are the rightful owners of this region.
Okaba remarked that the acceptance of amnesty by our people has significantly reduced various agitations, which occasionally harm the national economy. However, it should not be perceived as a means of subjugating and intimidating the Ijaw people.