Ijaw Elders renew agitation for self-determination

Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF) has expressed readiness to work with stakeholders to actualise the self-determination agenda of the Ijaw nation through peaceful and legal means.

The declaration formed part of the resolutions at the end of its meeting in Lagos to review the action plan on the age-long agitation for remediation of environmental pollution and the destruction of Ijawland through oil exploration.

In a statement by its secretary, Efiye Bribena said the elders expressed an unwavering commitment to the agenda.

“We shall work with purposeful and sincere allies to ensure that oil and gas exploitation activities are carried out in a responsible and equitable manner to the benefit of our communities. We shall also work to stem the continued destruction of our environment by oil and gas operations. We shall make it a priority to demand immediate remediation of the already damaged environment,” Bribena said.

On the insecurity in the country, the forum called on governors of the South-South region to form ‘Operation Red-Crab’. They also urged the governors to revive the BRACE commission to foster economic integration in the region.