By Priye Noel Kuete,Esq.
In a significant step towards deepening unity, solidarity and collective identity among Ijaw professionals, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), High Chief Hon. Barr. Ebi MacDonald Igbadiwei, has declared that a Pan-Ijaw/Izon Lawyers’ Night will be held at subsequent Annual General Conferences of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The INC President made the declaration while serving as Chairman of the occasion at the Bayelsa Lawyers’ Night during the recently concluded NBA Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to him, the initiative is designed to bring together lawyers of Ijaw extraction from across the country, irrespective of their states of origin or professional affiliations. He noted that Ijaw lawyers from Delta, Edo, Ondo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River States and other parts of Nigeria should have a common platform through which they can strengthen their bonds, celebrate their heritage and work collectively for the advancement of the Ijaw Nation.
The President emphasised that an Izon/Ijaw Lawyers’ Night* would promote a stronger sense of belonging, brotherhood and oneness among Ijaw lawyers, while providing an avenue for networking, mentorship, professional collaboration and the pursuit of common interests.
A Call to Ijaw Lawyers to Defend the Rights of the Ijaw Nation
In his opening remarks as Chairman of the Bayelsa Lawyers’ Night, High Chief Igbadiwei challenged Ijaw lawyers to rise to the occasion and demonstrate greater commitment to their professional and national responsibilities.
He particularly charged lawyers with expertise in Environmental Law, Oil and Gas Law, Human Rights Law and related fields* to deploy their professional knowledge towards protecting the rights and interests of Ijaw communities affected by environmental degradation arising from oil exploration and exploitation.
He observed that the Ijaw people have continued to bear a disproportionate burden of environmental pollution and degradation, despite the enormous contribution of the Niger Delta to the Nigerian economy.
The INC President further reminded the gathering that crude oil remains one of Nigeria’s major sources of revenue, yet the oil-bearing communities continue to contend with environmental degradation, inadequate development and other challenges associated with oil exploration and exploitation.
He therefore called for renewed advocacy for resource control, environmental justice and a more equitable allocation of resources to producing communities.
Speaking on the issue of derivation, he drew attention to the inadequacy of the present 13 per cent derivation principle,* particularly in the context of the current economic realities facing oil-producing communities, stressing that the time had come for stakeholders to critically examine the existing arrangement and work towards a more equitable system.
Izon Olou Nimiabu: A Platform for Ijaw Lawyers
High Chief Igbadiwei also renewed his call on all Ijaw lawyers to identify with and actively participate in Izon Olou Nimiabu — the Union of Ijaw Lawyers, which he described as a platform for professional solidarity and collective advancement.
He recalled that the initiative was first publicly championed by him during the Ijaw Cultural Festival held in Lagos earlier in August, where the platform was formally introduced.
Drawing inspiration from established professional platforms such as Egbe Amofin, the union of Yoruba lawyers, he urged Ijaw lawyers to embrace the initiative and use it to strengthen professional relationships, provide mentorship for younger lawyers, promote excellence and, most importantly, contribute meaningfully to the development and protection of Ijaw interests.
Ijaw Unity Beyond Lawyers
The INC President extended the call beyond the legal profession, challenging Ijaw professionals in other fields to organise themselves into professional bodies and networks capable of contributing to the advancement of the Ijaw Nation.
He specifically encouraged doctors, nurses, engineers and other professionals of Ijaw extraction to come together, establish functional professional platforms and deploy their expertise towards the development and promotion of Ijaw interests.
He emphasised the philosophy that every Ijaw person should be his or her brother’s keeper, urging the people to place the collective interest above narrow personal, political or sectional considerations.
“Every Ijaw man should think Ijaw first and shelve selfish and personal interests.”
The message resonated strongly with the gathering, as the President stressed that the future of the Ijaw Nation requires collective responsibility, unity of purpose and a conscious decision by every Ijaw son and daughter to contribute to the advancement of the people.
A Celebration of Ijaw Culture and Unity
The Bayelsa Lawyers’ Night was well attended by Ijaw lawyers from different parts of the country. The colourful gathering provided a remarkable display of Ijaw identity, culture and hospitality, with participants adorned in beautiful Ijaw traditional attires.
The event featured music, dancing, cultural expressions, networking and warm exchanges among lawyers of Ijaw extraction. The gathering was further enlivened by a live musical performance from renowned Ijaw musician IZONEBI Alfred, who kept guests entertained throughout the evening.
Ijaw lawyers also shared food and drinks, exchanged pleasantries and strengthened professional and fraternal relationships in an atmosphere of friendship and conviviality.
A New Tradition at the NBA Conference
With the declaration by the INC President, expectations are already high for what promises to become a significant annual gathering of Ijaw legal professionals.
The proposed Pan-Ijaw/Izon Lawyers’ Night at future NBA conferences is expected to provide a unique platform where Judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), academics, legal practitioners, young lawyers and other members of the legal profession of Ijaw origin* can come together to dine, wine, network and deliberate on matters affecting the Ijaw Nation.
Beyond the glamour and celebration, the initiative represents a deeper call for *unity, professional excellence, collective advocacy and service to the Ijaw people.
Indeed, the declaration by High Chief Hon. Barr. Ebi MacDonald Igbadiwei has the potential to transform the annual NBA Conference into not only a professional gathering for Ijaw lawyers, but also a powerful platform for reaffirming their shared heritage, strengthening their bonds and mobilising their collective legal expertise for the protection and advancement of the Ijaw Nation.
The future Pan-Ijaw Lawyers’ Night promises to be a gathering to remember — where law, culture, unity and the Ijaw spirit will meet under one roof.
God bless Ijaw Lawyers!
God bless Ijaw Nation!
God bless Ijaw National Congress!
