Diri Inaugurates Six-Member INC Reconciliation Committee

May 26, 2026
 
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has inaugurated a six-member Reconciliation Committee for the Ijaw National Congress, with a mandate to resolve disputes and reconcile aggrieved individuals and interests within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Government House, Yenagoa, where Governor Diri charged the committee to restore the vision and ideals of the founding fathers of the INC while fostering unity across the Ijaw nation.
The governor urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with fairness, inclusiveness, and a commitment to strengthening the bonds among Ijaw people rather than deepening divisions.

According to him, “The strength of the Ijaw Nation is not in the loudness of our disputes, but in our unity.”
The committee comprises distinguished personalities drawn from the three zones of the Ijaw nation. Representing the Eastern Zone are Dr. Goddy Damnabo and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Alabo Gabriel Tobi. From the Western Zone are former Minister of Police Affairs, Brodrick Bozimo, and former President of the INC, Chief J.B. Fumudor. Representing the Central Zone are former Director-General of the DSS, Matthew Seiyefa, and former Nigerian Ambassador, Boladei Igali.

Also appointed to manage the committee’s secretariat are former Administrator of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, and former Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Erasmus Patrick.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Chairman Matthew Seiyefa expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for the confidence reposed in them and assured that the committee would diligently deliver on its mandate.
Dignitaries present at the inauguration included the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimbofa Ayawei; Acting Chief of Staff, Irorodamie Komonibo; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiowou Koku-Obiyai; as well as other top government officials.