Diri Reconciles INC Factions, Says Ijaws Must Speak With One Voice

Diri Reconciles INC Factions, Says Ijaws Must Speak With One Voice

Yenagoa: The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Tuesday September 1 2026, formally brought closure to his reconciliation efforts in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) with the hosting of a Mega Unity Reception at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Senator Diri said the Ijaw nation must rise and speak with one voice that commands a seat at every table where Nigeria’s destiny is decided, stressing that the people must act together in shaping decisions that affect their future.

According to the governor, “This powerful gathering tells Nigeria, Africa, and the world that the unity, solidarity, and indivisibility of the Ijaw nation are non-negotiable.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the event and one-time Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, lauded the Bayelsa governor for his timely intervention in resolving the leadership crisis within the organization.

Also present was the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr. Boladei Igali , who told journalists that it is normal for organizations to have misunderstandings and disputes, but that they must be resolved for the common good.

According to Dr. Igali, the INC previously had two factions in dispute. He noted that Governor Douye Diri decided that “a divided house cannot stand” and set up a reconciliation committee. Following the committee’s report, he brought both parties together to reconcile as one body.