Eradiri Sets Agenda for New INC Leadership, Says Congress Must Rebuild Unity, Regain Respect

Former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, has congratulated the newly inaugurated executive council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), led by High Chief Macdonald Igbadiowei, and urged the leadership to rebuild unity and restore the organisation’s credibility.

Eradiri, a former governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, said the new INC President faces a major responsibility to reposition the socio-cultural body and restore public confidence in its leadership.

According to him, years of political interference weakened the organisation and created divisions within the Ijaw nation, making reconciliation and unity a priority for the new executive council.

He expressed confidence in Igbadiowei’s ability to lead the organisation, citing his political experience and previous service in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

“He has a Herculean task ahead of him to reorganise the INC so that it becomes a respectable institution. There has been too much political interference that led it to become fragmented,” Eradiri said.

He added that the new INC President possesses the experience and capacity required to steer the organisation's affairs and move the Ijaw nation in the right direction.

The former IYC leader pledged support for the new executive council, assuring stakeholders across the Ijaw nation that they would cooperate with the leadership to ensure a successful tenure.

Eradiri, who also served as Commissioner for Youths and later Commissioner for Environment in Bayelsa State, called on the Bayelsa State Government to support the INC while avoiding undue interference in its affairs.

He maintained that although the congress should maintain a working relationship with the government, it must remain independent in carrying out its responsibilities.

“The INC cannot be under the whims and caprices of the state government. They must collaborate with each other,” he said.

He further advised the organisation to strengthen its financial base by engaging businessmen and stakeholders within the Ijaw nation, noting that such partnerships would help reposition the INC as a responsible and respected institution.

Eradiri wished Igbadiowei and members of the executive council a successful tenure.