Diri Sues For Ijaw Unity, Recognises Igbadiwei-led INC
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has formally brought his reconciliation efforts in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to a close, urging Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to unite in the interest of the ethnic nationality’s collective future.
Diri made the call on Tuesday at a Mega Unity Reception held at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, in honour of the newly constituted leadership of the INC led by High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei.
The event brought together prominent leaders of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, traditional rulers, stakeholders and contestants in the disputed April 2026 INC election that produced the Igbadiwei-led executive.
The election and subsequent inauguration of the new executive in Warri, Delta State, rather than at the traditional Ijaw House in Yenagoa, had generated controversy and deepened divisions within the socio-cultural organisation.
In response to the crisis, Governor Diri had intervened and constituted a reconciliation committee chaired by former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Mathew Seiyefa, to resolve the dispute and restore unity within the organisation.
Speaking at the unity reception, Diri urged stakeholders to put the disagreements behind them and work together for the unity and cohesion of the Ijaw nation.
He charged the new INC leadership to unify the people and build an institution capable of protecting the identity, dignity and interests of the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
The governor, who is widely regarded as the Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, said the Ijaws must speak with one voice and position themselves to have a strong influence at every table where decisions affecting the future of Nigeria are made.
According to him, the Ijaw people must move beyond rivalries, narrow interests and old divisions, placing the collective interest and glory of the nation above personal ambitions.
Diri said the gathering was a demonstration to Nigeria, Africa and the world that the unity, solidarity and indivisibility of the Ijaw nation remained non-negotiable.
He said, “This powerful gathering tells Nigeria, Africa, and the world that the unity, solidarity, and indivisibility of the Ijaw nation are non-negotiable.
“Most Ijaw people cherish and will defend this sacred unity. When we stand together with shared purpose and destiny, no force can weaken us. The Ijaw nation stands at a critical crossroads and must embrace the responsibility of unity.
“We must understand what is at stake. If we fail to act together, others will decide our future without us. We will live with their decisions instead of helping shape them. The time to organise is now. Our relevance, resources, dignity, and shared future depend on what we do today.”
While formally acknowledging the Igbadiwei-led INC, the governor stressed that the moment was not for division but for unity, urging every son and daughter of the Ijaw nation to rise above narrow interests and work towards a common destiny.
Chairman of the event and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, commended Diri for his timely intervention in resolving the leadership crisis within the INC.
Toby also praised Dr. Seiyefa and members of the reconciliation committee for their commitment, sacrifices and efforts towards finding a lasting resolution to the dispute.
He urged the INC president to be a team player and effectively represent the collective interests of the Ijaw nation while prioritising peace, unity and progress.
The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo, who is also Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), an advisory body to the INC, charged Igbadiwei to regard his position as a call to service.
Dakolo urged the INC president to unite all zones of the Congress and protect the interests of Ijaw people wherever they may be.
He said, “So, today, you are bestowed as the chief servant to ensure that no piece of Ijaw land, no piece of Ijaw property, no Ijaw man, no Ijaw woman is mistreated in any part of the entire globe. That is why you are president worldwide.”
Responding, INC President, High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei, a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for his intervention, saying the governor had prevented the INC from disintegrating under his watch.
Igbadiwei assured that the INC would work with Governor Diri, political leaders, traditional rulers, youth organisations and other stakeholders to actualise the collective aspirations and mandate of the Ijaw nation.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe; serving and former lawmakers; former Deputy Governors of Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd); and former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro.
The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, was represented by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou.
Others included National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; Dr. Mathew Seiyefa; and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo.
Also present were the Pere of Tuomo Kingdom and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, King Francis Tabai; the Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom in Rivers State, Sir Acheseinimie Frank; other traditional rulers; Mrs. Juliana Oguara, Vice Chairman of the INC in the United States of America; and Chief Meg Agidee, President of Izon Ladies Association, among other prominent personalities.
