Rights activist, Ukuli Calls for liberation of marginalised Ijaws in Rivers

By Peters Monday, Abuja

The Ijaw Nation has been called upon to advocate for the rights of its oppressed and marginalized members in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. According to him, the continuous dominance and marginalization of Engenni and Ogbogolo people, who are Ijaws, by the Ekpeye people has led to a call for urgent intervention.

Ahoada West LGA, created in 1996, comprises Ekpeye, Engenni, and Ogbogolo people, with Ekpeye making up 55% of the population and Engennis and Ogbogolos (Ijaws) making up 45%. Despite this, the Ekpeyes have consistently held power, occupying key positions such as House of Representatives seat, Chairman of the LGA, and Commissioner slot, leaving Engennis and Ogbogolos with minimal representation.

The Ijaw Nation, as a dominant tribe in the Niger Delta region, is urged to rise and speak for its vulnerable members. The call to action is led by Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, a former National Director of Mobilization and Chairman of the Action Committee, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, and incumbent National President of the Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF).

The appeal is directed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, an Ijaw man from a minority sub-group, to use his office to address the imbalance and ensure representation for Engennis and Ogbogolos in the LGA. The Ijaw Nation is urged to intervene and speak out against the oppression and marginalization of its members in Ahoada West LGA, emphasising that the suffering of any segment of the Ijaw Nation affects the entire community.