Gov Diri To Host INC Unity Reception As Reconciliation Efforts Gather Momentum

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, will on September 1, 2026, host Ijaw leaders and stakeholders at a Mega Unity Reception as part of ongoing efforts to consolidate the reconciliation process within the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

The event, tagged “Mega Unity Reception,” will take place at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa and is expected to attract major stakeholders of the INC and prominent leaders from across the Ijaw nation.

The initiative follows the constitution of an INC reconciliation committee by Governor Diri on May 26, 2026, as part of efforts to resolve differences among stakeholders and restore unity within the foremost socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw people.

The committee was chaired by Dr. Mathew Seiyefa, a former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Other members included former Rivers State Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby; former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo; former INC President, Chief Joshua Fumudoh; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; and King Goddy Idaminabo.

Dr. Kingsley Kuku and Chief Patrick Erasmus served as heads of the committee's secretariat.

The committee, after engaging with aggrieved parties and other relevant stakeholders, submitted its report about a month later, paving the way for further steps towards reconciliation and unity within the organisation.

The September 1 gathering is therefore expected to provide an opportunity for Ijaw leaders and INC stakeholders to deliberate on the way forward and strengthen efforts to reposition the organisation as a more united and effective voice for the Ijaw nation.

The reception is also expected to mark a significant step in the ongoing process of healing divisions, rebuilding trust and fostering greater unity among Ijaw stakeholders.