As the Ijaw in the Niger Delta and Southwestern part of the country warn up for the election into elective posts in the forthcoming Ijaw National Congress, Dadiowei Akpeti, has said that the disqualification of candidates must be guided by INC constitution for eligibility, insisting that popularity alone cannot determine suitability for office.
Speaking on the state of the race, he argued that the INC had evolved beyond its past perception and was now in a critical phase requiring intellectual depth and strategic positioning.
“Disqualification of candidates is based on individuals who did not meet the criteria set for eligibility as the INC requires. Let’s consider the fact that popularity doesn’t mean suitability and the INC constitution is sacrosanct and always supreme.
“The INC has gone beyond the perception of mere agitators or militancy; we are in a critical phase of intellectual agitation and strategic positioning to project our intellectual side,” he said.
He stressed that the Ijaw formed an integral part of Nigeria’s intellectual elite and must begin to showcase that strength.
Citing recent developments, he noted that no Ijaw son or daughter was named in a recent list of criminal deportees from the United States.
“This is a very laudable achievement, seeing that we are the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria. Our sons and daughters in the diaspora have done very well to showcase our heritage as being honest and hardworking people. I am, with all humility, a true example of the hardworking and decent Izon child,” he said.
Highlighting individual achievements, he pointed to the success of medical professionals abroad, adding: “We have in Houston one of the most successful doctors, Dr Dama Ziworitin, who has made us proud with excellence in the obstetrics and gynaecology field. We are indeed gifted intellectually.”
He described the current field of aspirants as crowded but encouraging, noting that: “Indeed, we do have a crowded field full of heavyweights. Notwithstanding, it is a very encouraging development seeing that the interest to lead the Ijaw people has grown tremendously.”
On allegations of government sponsorship, he said there was no proof to substantiate such claims but warned against any interference.
He further called for greater scrutiny of candidates’ financial independence and track records.
“It is time we stop electing people without a proven, verifiable and strong financial base. I hope that the electoral committee has taken the financial independence of every candidate into consideration and also a track record of excellence, to avoid a situation where a candidate sneaks in and exploits the position to milk the Ijaw people.”
Commending the INC’s past efforts, he said its strategic agitation had delivered tangible political gains.
“The INC has done well. The strategic agitation was instrumental in giving us the Vice President position, which thereafter led us to having the first Ijaw president,” he said.
He disclosed that his company, Spotless in Minutes has committed huge resources as a major sponsor of the forthcoming presidential debate, pointing out that: “It is a sacrifice I have made to give the Ijaw nation an opportunity to hear from each candidate and select the right man for the job.” I have done my part, let the delegates do theirs
“I am a major stakeholder and, as such, I cannot sit down to watch us suffer from the consequences of having a president not befitting of the position.”
He said he had partnered with the Ijaw National Development Group to organise what he described as an unprecedented debate in the history of the INC.
He praised key members of the group for their efforts in bringing the event to fruition and expressed readiness to support future initiatives.
Describing the INC as the parent body of all Ijaws globally, he said it remained the primary platform to promote and negotiate the interests of the people.
“Speaking as a major stakeholder in the diaspora, we intend to use the INC to negotiate for our cause by showcasing what we have done without help and stating what we can achieve with the assistance, support and cooperation of local and international governments and organisations,’’ he said.
He called for policies that would enable diaspora professionals to invest at home without fear, pointing to distinguished figures in medicine, engineering, small and medium enterprise development and legal practice who could help reposition the region.
“These very skilled minds have more than it takes to bring their wealth of experience to negotiate and bring to life a very strongly positioned Ijaw nation.”
“If the Ijaw people have served us well in the diaspora, there is no reason why they cannot do the same at home,” he said.