The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to address Nigeria’s escalating economic crisis and the pressing need for national restructuring.
In a Democracy Day message, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba highlighted the significance of June 12 as a celebration of the democratic strides made under civilian rule and a tribute to the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who sacrificed his life for democracy on July 7, 1998.
Prof. Okaba emphasized the importance of resolving Nigeria’s economic hardships, urging the federal government to tackle issues such as insecurity, inflation, unemployment, and criminality that have left many Nigerians feeling hopeless.
Focusing on the Niger Delta, Okaba called for immediate action from the Tinubu administration to address the region’s challenges. “The oil and gas-rich Niger Delta region expects solutions to its infrastructure deficits, environmental degradation, economic disempowerment, and lack of political representation,” he stated.
Okaba underscored the INC’s demand for true federalism, emphasizing the Ijaw people’s desire for autonomy, resource control, and self-determination. He also highlighted the disparity in local government areas as a critical issue that needs addressing. “Kano has 44 local government areas while Bayelsa has only eight. Granting autonomy without correcting this imbalance perpetuates injustice and inequity,” Okaba warned.
The INC’s message comes as the nation commemorates Democracy Day, reflecting on the progress made and the challenges ahead in achieving equitable governance and economic stability.
