Diri Recognises Igbadiwe Led INC, Calls For Ijaw Unity

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has formally recognised the High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwe-led executive of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and called on Ijaw leaders to unite in the interest of the ethnic nationality.

Diri made the call on Tuesday at a Mega Unity Reception held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, where Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, politicians, academics and other stakeholders gathered as part of efforts to resolve the leadership dispute within the organisation. The dispute followed the April 2026 INC election, which produced the Igbadiwe-led executive. The subsequent inauguration of the executive in Warri, Delta State, rather than at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, generated controversy among stakeholders.

Diri intervened in the dispute in May by constituting a reconciliation committee chaired by former Director General of the Department of State Services, Dr Mathew Seiyefa. The committee later submitted its report after consultations with the affected parties and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the reception, Diri urged Ijaw leaders to set aside their differences and work together under a united INC. He said the Ijaw people needed to speak with one voice on issues affecting their interests, resources, dignity and future.

"This powerful gathering tells Nigeria, Africa, and the world that the unity, solidarity, and indivisibility of the Ijaw nation are non-negotiable," Diri said.

The governor urged the INC leadership to build an institution that can protect the identity and collective interests of the Ijaw people. He also called for reforms to the INC electoral process, including constitutional amendments and stronger safeguards to ensure future elections are transparent, credible and acceptable to contestants.

The event chairman and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, commended Diri for intervening in the leadership dispute. Toby also praised Seiyefa and other members of the reconciliation committee for their efforts and urged the INC president to work with stakeholders in promoting peace and unity.

The Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, urged Igbadiwei to regard his position as a responsibility to unite the different zones of the congress and protect the interests of Ijaw people.

In his response, Igbadiwei thanked Diri and other stakeholders for their roles in the reconciliation process. He pledged to work with the governor, traditional rulers, youth organisations, and other stakeholders to advance the interests of the Ijaw people.

Also speaking at the event, the National Secretary of the INC, Dr Anyanate Kio, commended the stakeholders for supporting the reconciliation process. Kio said the acceptance of the current INC leadership raised expectations that the organisation would strengthen its voice on issues affecting Ijaw communities in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

The event was attended by the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, represented by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou; National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr Boladei Igali; former Bayelsa deputy governors Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, retired; and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, among others.

The reconciliation effort follows months of disagreement within the INC over its 2026 leadership election. The latest development marks a move by stakeholders to work with the Igbadiwe-led executive following the intervention and reconciliation process.