By Warefa Pereke.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) requires a leader whose knowledge of Ijaw history and the environmental realities of the Niger Delta is not just academic but deeply personal and lived. High Chief Se-Alabor (Dr) Nengi James, OON, embodies this unique blend of intellectual authority and practical experience.
His candidacy for the INC presidency is a compelling argument for a leader who understands that the future of the Ijaw nation is inextricably linked to the preservation of its past and the protection of its environment.
Dr. James is a true custodian of Ijaw heritage, a man who has not only studied its history but has also actively worked to ensure its relevance for future generations. This is not a passive interest; it is a profound commitment. He understands that Ijaw identity is built upon a rich history of oral traditions, customs, and a deep connection to the land and water. This understanding is the bedrock of his leadership philosophy, promising a presidency that will honor and promote Ijaw culture on a national and international stage.
However, his expertise goes far beyond history. As a seasoned ecologist and environmentalist, Dr. James has dedicated a significant part of his life to understanding and fighting for the environmental integrity of the Niger Delta. His most profound contribution in this area is his development of the concept of “Oceanification.” This term, which he fathered and explored in his seminal book, Oceanification: Environmental, Ecological and Socio-Economic Impact in the Niger Delta, is a powerful and precise tool for describing the devastating effects of ocean encroachment on Ijawland.
His pioneering work brought this critical issue to the forefront of national discourse and earned him a place in the Bayelsa State History and Archives Environmental Hall of Fame. This recognition is not merely an accolade; it is a testament to his foresight and intellectual courage.
This unique combination of historical knowledge and environmental expertise is what makes him a superior candidate.
He is not just a career administrator, mediator, or a public policy specialist—though he is all of these things. He is a leader who sees the Ijaw struggle in its totality: a fight for cultural survival, environmental justice, and socio-economic empowerment.
His time as the National Vice President 2 of the INC and Vice President of the Nembe Se Congress has given him practical experience within the organization and a deep understanding of its inner workings. This experience, combined with his unparalleled knowledge of the Ijaw people’s history and environmental challenges, makes him the ideal person to lead the INC.
In choosing a president, the Ijaw nation must look to a leader who possesses the knowledge to navigate complex issues, the courage to advocate for what is right, and the vision to build a future that is both prosperous and true to its heritage. High Chief (Dr) Nengi James is that leader.
His administrative skills are sharpened by a profound understanding of his people’s history, and his advocacy is informed by a pioneering knowledge of their most pressing environmental threats.
For a presidency that will be defined by both wisdom and action, there is no more qualified candidate than High Chief Se-Alabor (Dr.) Nengi James OON.
