Ijaw Nation: Rising Influence Of Non-state Actors Raises Concern – Ikuli
A growing concern over the increasing influence of non-state actors (NSAs) in Ijaw Nation has sparked renewed calls for stronger governance, institutional responsibility, and a return to intellectual-driven development.
The warning was contained in a statement shared on the Facebook page of public affairs analyst, Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing dominance of non-state actors and the weakening influence of structured governance and intellectual engagement in the region.
Non-state actors—defined as individuals or organizations operating outside direct government control, including non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, armed groups, and social movements—play significant roles in shaping political, economic, and social dynamics globally. While some serve as checks on state power, others pose serious threats to security and stability.
According to Ikuli, the unchecked activities of certain non-state actors reflect conditions similar to a “state of nature,” a concept associated with political philosopher Thomas Hobbes, where life is characterized by disorder and insecurity.
The role of social contract
He further referenced the social contract theory developed by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, noting that modern governance is founded on the voluntary surrender of certain freedoms by individuals in exchange for protection and order under a legitimate authority.
Ikuli stressed that effective governance structures, supported by the judiciary and law enforcement agencies, remain essential for regulating human behavior and maintaining societal stability.
He also noted that countries such as the United States, China, Japan, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates have maintained stronger state systems by keeping non-state actors under tighter regulation.
Global lessons on instability
He drew attention to countries such as Haiti, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Libya, Colombia, and Mexico, where weak institutions have allowed violent non-state actors and criminal networks to flourish.
He further referenced groups such as the Lord's Resistance Army and Al-Shabaab as examples of how armed non-state actors can grow into powerful destabilizing forces when not effectively controlled by the state.
Concerns in Ijaw Nation
Turning specifically to Ijaw Nation, Ikuli expressed concern that despite its vast human and natural resources, the region risks underdevelopment if intellectual capacity continues to be sidelined.
He lamented what he described as a lack of synergy among intellectuals and the marginalization of intellectual contributions in governance, warning that such gaps often create space for criminal elements to gain influence.
“Ijaw Nation is blessed with some of the most intelligent, brilliant, focused, vibrant, charismatic, creative, productive and highly resourceful minds,” he stated.
He further warned that societies which fail to prioritize intellectual leadership and strong institutions risk allowing non-state actors to grow unchecked, drawing parallels with instability in other parts of the world.
Call to action
Ikuli called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, and intellectuals to urgently collaborate in addressing the emerging challenges.
He emphasized that sustainable development in the modern era depends on knowledge, innovation, and strong institutions rather than force, warning that no society can thrive under the dominance of unregulated non-state actors.
“The political class, traditional institutions, religious leaders and our intellectual reservoirs have to wake up to their respective responsibilities,” he said.
He concluded that governance anchored on law, order, and intellectual engagement remains the only viable path to lasting peace and development in Ijaw Nation.
