The highest Socio-cultural Organisation in Ijawland, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Arogbo Clan, has taken a firm stance against what it perceives as a campaign of calumny against the Apoi people, sparked by recent allegations made by Comrade Bamidele Egbukuyomi, Chairman of INC, Apoi Clan. In a rejoinder to Egbukuyomi’s claims, the INC Arogbo Clan has come out in clear terms to set the records straight, addressing key issues and clarifying the role of the Apoi people in the Ijaw cause.
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Re-Stop the Campaign of Calumny Against the Apoi People
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) Arogbo clan received with concern, the above-captioned publication in an unsigned statement but attributed to the Chairman of INC, Apoi Clan, Comrade Bamidele Egbukuyomi. While we ordinarily would not wish to join issues with our brother, certain claims made in the said statement require clarification for the benefit of the reading public.
1. On the Alleged Campaign Against the Ijaw Apoi People.
Mr. Bamidele alleged that there is an ongoing campaign against the Apoi by individuals desperately seeking to become Chairman of INC, Western Zone. According to him, these individuals are spreading narratives that the Apoi are not standing firm in the Ijaw cause.
The INC, Arogbo Clan, would have ignored this assertion, but for the fact that the Western Zone INC election currently features two illustrious Ijaw sons from Ondo State — one from Apoi and another from Arogbo. If indeed such campaigns are ongoing, it is not the duty of the INC, as an institution, to act as a mouthpiece for any aspirant. We must make it clear that while we discourage campaigns of calumny, neither INC Arogbo nor INC Apoi should reduce themselves to campaign organs for any individual.
Aspirants should be encouraged to pursue their ambitions through healthy, issue-based campaigns, rather than playing the victim card. If not for the democratic process, the most honorable path would have been for us to harmonize our interests and present a single candidate — as our neighbouring states have always done in the past.
Therefore, for the sake of our unity, Comrade Bamidele Egbukuyomi is advised to demonstrate leadership by resisting any attempt by aspirants to push him into playing the victim narrative on their behalf. The Ijawness of the Apoi people is not in question, and no one has raised such doubts — unless Mr. Bamidele himself is pursuing a shadow agenda.
2. On the Role of the Apoi in the Creation of Toru-Ibe.
In his piece, Mr. Bamidele referenced the pivotal role played by the Apoi toward the creation of Toru-Ibe state in 2006. While we acknowledge that contribution, it is important to state that the status quo has not changed. The question is: why are the Apoi not participating this time around? Our Ijaw Apoi brothers never required further “education and consultations” by anyone on a project they had been and parcel for almost 20 years.
This is nothing but a classic case of “playing the victim card” where someone portrays himself as a victim of circumstances or mistreatment to gain sympathy, avoid responsibility, or achieve a specific outcome. Individuals “playing the victim card”* often exaggerate or selectively present their experiences to manipulate others, gain attention, or deflect criticism for their actions.
For crying out loud, the delegation from Delta and Edo States to Akure, the Ondo State can attest to the fact that our Apoi brothers had the luxury of time to sign the MoU for the creation of Toru-Ebe State but decided to turn it down by succumbing to vested interests in spite of entreaties and persuasions from concerned stakeholders. It is honourable, at times, for a man to take responsibility for his actions, inactions and reactions than to feign innocence and ignorance with a view to giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.
This rejoinder is not written in hostility, but to correct the misleading impressions created by Mr Bamidele’s piece. As brothers, if we cannot harmonize the interests of our sons vying for the position of INC Chairman, Western Zone, none of us should descend to the level of serving as campaign agents or creating unnecessary divisions.
This is more so, that, every struggle desires of all strong character of commitment, unity of purpose as well as firm determination as regards placement, identity and not the display of selective convenience. That of Ijaw with respect to self determination within Nigeria requires all of the above especially from both the Arogbo and Apoi Ijaws. This particular issue being addressed can only be the product of selective convenience as it suits prevailing circumstances.
May we therefore, appeal that even where aspirants attempt to stir controversy, we have a duty as leaders to call them to order and ensure they remain within the bounds of healthy, democratic competition. That is the only way to preserve our shared heritage and the unbreakable bond that unites us as Ijaw people.
Thank you.
Hon. Lagos Samuel Ekpobomini
Chairman,Ijaw National Congress-INC, Arogbo-Ijaw Clan.
Barrister Wilson Ekpotuwaton Ajama
Secretary General,Ijaw National Congress-INC, Arogbo-Ijaw.
