Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended the resolution of the leadership dispute within the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing the outcome as a historic step toward unity in the Ijaw nation.
Speaking at a "Unity Reception" he hosted for the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, Diri said the gathering, which brought together key leaders and stakeholders of the Ijaw nation, was marked by an atmosphere of peace, love and reconciliation, aimed at putting an end to lingering election disputes within the body.
The governor expressed satisfaction that a new chapter had been opened with the emergence of High Chief (Hon.) Macdonald Igbadiwei as President of the INC. He noted that Igbadiwei, in his acceptance speech, acknowledged the contributions of all parties involved in resolving the dispute, particularly the Mathew Seiyefa-led Reconciliation Committee, and called on the Ijaw nation to move forward with one voice and common purpose.
Diri urged Ijaw people to resist division and embrace reconciliation, stressing that unity remained essential to advancing the collective interest of the nation. He said every Ijaw son and daughter under the INC must rise above narrow interests and unite in pursuit of dignity, shared destiny and the broader development of the Ijaw nation.
Speaking in his capacity as Governor-General of Izon Nation, Diri reiterated the need for unity of purpose in pursuing the Ijaw nation's long-standing aspiration for additional homogeneous Ijaw states beyond Bayelsa. He also called for urgent constitutional amendments and stronger protocols to guarantee transparency, credibility and acceptable outcomes in future electoral processes within the organisation.
On behalf of the Bayelsa State Government, the governor thanked members of the Reconciliation Committee, traditional rulers and other leaders, including High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, for their roles in the reconciliation process. He pledged the state government's continued support and partnership with the newly united leadership of the INC.
Diri congratulated the Ijaw nation on the development, describing a united INC as indispensable to a strong and prosperous Ijaw nation.
