Many young Ijaws may not be aware that during the first republic in Nigeria, there was a political party which was affiliated to the Ijo nation. This political party was known as the Niger Delta Congress (NDC).
Formed by elder statesman, Harold Biriye, co-founder of the Ijo People's League which was founded in the year 1941, the Niger Delta Congress was formed to incorporate the Ijaws into the political system in Nigeria, particularly, the then Eastern region of Nigeria. NDC was jointly formed by some minority leaders from Degema, Ogoni, Brass and Western Ijaw Division with prospects to be harvested in time.
As a First Republic party, the NDC formed an alliance with the North People's Congress to gain relevance and get weight in the Eastern region, by securing seats in the Region and the board of Special Area Commission (SAC).
The party was full of promises as a party of the Ijaws and other Niger Delta minority groups. The party leadership promised the initiation of Degema, Ogoni, Brass and Western Ijaw Divisions with federal status; as well as the promotion of the culture of the Ijaw people, and so on. The defunct party eventually saw the emergence of Chief Medford Okilo as parliamentarian.
By: ACER Editorial.