The Ijaw National Congress has again called for a national dialogue that would address the fundamental issues of resource control and true federalism.

Benjamin Okaba, the Global President of the INC, the apex socio-cultural and political organisation of the Ijaw people, made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja on Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

 This is the time for a sincere national dialogue on fundamental issues of resource control, true federalism, and the rights of nationalities.

“For the Ijaw nation, the Nigerian project has been a story of broken promises and brazen injustice. While our land and waters have produced the oil and gas that have fueled the nation’s economy for decades, we have been rewarded with nothing but extreme poverty and environmental devastation.

“Our stance is not one of mere grievance, but one grounded in historical fact and legal rights,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria should return to true federalism, a principle upon which it was founded.

“The Land Use Decree and Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) are not reflecting true reforms. Our environment is continually destroyed through oil spills, just as gas flaring is destroying our ecosystem and livelihoods.

“So on this 65th anniversary, we reiterate our commitment to the global awakening of the Ijaw struggle. 

“Our demand is for the right to manage our resources, protect our environment, and determine our political destinies. Let it be clear, our quest is for justice,” he explained.

(NAN)