The Vice President II of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Alabo Nengi James, has presented himself as the most experienced, consistent, tested and trusted candidate to lead the pan Ijaw group.
According to James, having traversed the Ijaw struggle as an astute believer for over 30 years and holding numerous positions, he brings a wealth of experience and capacity to seek the office of INC President.
James, who was speaking at the Ijaw House during the submission of nomination forms to contest the office of INC president and unveiling of manifesto and campaign materials, vowed to unite the Ijaw nation, and pursue environmental justice and creation of more states for Ijaw people.
His words: “I feel very confident with God and with the support of the Ijaw people and I want to inform you today that I am grassroots oriented, trained, mentored, schooled, and schooled by my father figures, led by Harold Dappa Briye and Pa E.K. Clark, whom I served for over fifteen years as South South Peoples Assembly, SOSOPA, youth leader, having crossed communities, states, and nations to learn much about Nigeria and the state of affairs, put me in great position.
“To a large extent, I have served in all capacities from pro-democracy groups down to Movement for Emancipation of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality, (MOSIEND), Bayelsa Youth Federation, BAYOF , Ijaw Youth Council, (IYC), and now Ijaw National Congress, (INC), I think I am the most experienced, consistent, tested, trusted, and more so, I have the blessings of my fathers who prayed for me before they departed this world.
“Under my leadership, we shall make deliberate efforts towards the unity of Ijaw people within and outside Nigeria and shall collaborate with the security agencies to ensure that Ijaw territories are adequately protected against bandits, kidnappers, and other forms of criminality.
“We shall continue to dialogue, negotiate and interface with other socio-cultural and political organizations including Ijaw legislators at the National and State Assemblies for the creation of additional states for the Ijaw people.
“INC will not relent in calling for the Nigeria government to address the environmental injustices across Ijawland as a result of years of gas flaring, oil spills and pollution. My leadership will address, tackle and advocate for the protection of our environment and eco-system as it affects Ijaw people.