Gov. Diri hosts Ijaw Nation: Calls for unity, reconciliation amid INC leadership crisis

Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday hosted the Ijaw Nation to a unity summit at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, in honour of the Ijaw National Congress, INC.

The event drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, traditional rulers, and other leaders from across the Ijaw Nation.

Addressing the summit, Governor Diri called on Ijaw sons and daughters to rise above narrow interests and work together for the collective good of the nation.

“Let me be clear, this is not a time for division, it is a time indeed for unity,” the Governor said. “Every young son and daughter of Ijaw Nation must rise above narrow interests, reject division, and unite for our people’s destiny and greater glory.

“Let reconciliation always reign. A house divided against itself shall not stand. And the Ijaw House will not fall, not in my time.

“You will recall that we had worked for three major states for the Ijaw Nation and at the end of the day, we still have two states left. So it is not safe to go on a journey of disunity,” he stated.

Also speaking, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei, emphasized the need for unity and collective action. He noted that despite past disagreements during the INC election and the inauguration of the new executive, the differences have now been resolved.

He stressed that the leadership of INC is committed to working with all stakeholders, including women groups, youth bodies, and traditional institutions, to advance the interests of the Ijaw Nation.

Pebnews reports that the unity summit comes amid recent disagreements that trailed the INC election and swearing-in of the Igbadiwei-led executive. Stakeholders at the meeting described the gathering as an eloquent testimony that the Ijaw Nation is choosing peace and unity over division.

Governor Diri reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the INC and ensuring that the Ijaw House remains a symbol of unity for all Ijaw people.