The governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri, Tuesday, formally brought a closure to his reconciliation effort in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) with the hosting of a Mega Unity Reception at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The well-attended event brought together leaders of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, stakeholders and contestants in the disputed April 2026 INC election that produced the High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwe leadership.
The inauguration of the Igbadiwe-led executive in Warri, Delta state, outside the traditional Ijaw House in Yenagoa, generated controversy that threatened the fabric of the foremost Ijaw nation’s socio-cultural organisation until the Bayelsa governor intervened and constituted a reconciliation committee chaired by former director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Mathew Seiyefa.
At the unity reception, Governor Diri implored stakeholders to bury the hatchet in the interest of the unity and cohesion of the ethnic group.
He also urged the new INC leadership to unify the people and build an institution that would protect the identity of the ethnic nationality.
Senator Diri said the Ijaws must rise and speak with one voice that commands a seat at every table where Nigeria’s destiny is decided, adding that they must act together and help to shape decisions that affect their future.
