Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has advised the outgoing executive committee of the Ijaw National Congress, led by Professor Benjamin Okaba, to suspend the planned inauguration of a new leadership scheduled for May 14, 2026, pending the resolution of ongoing legal and internal disputes.
Key Highlights:
- Gov. Douye Diri calls for suspension of INC inauguration
- Leadership crisis in INC linked to disputed election
- Matter reportedly remains before the court
- Diri distances self from advertised inauguration programme
- Bayelsa governor warns against division within Ijaw nation
- Calls for peaceful resolution and unity among stakeholders
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said his position was informed by legal concerns arising from the recently contested election of a new executive committee for the foremost Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Diri, who served as the pioneer Organising Secretary of the INC, said his overriding interest remains the unity and stability of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, stressing that all disputes surrounding the leadership process should be resolved peacefully before any inauguration takes place.
The governor expressed displeasure that organisers of the planned inauguration allegedly used his name and official title in promotional materials without first consulting or obtaining his approval.
According to him, such actions could create confusion and send the wrong message to members of the Ijaw nation and the general public.
“Let me be unequivocal that I am not in support of anyone trying to fractionalise the INC or cause disaffection in the Ijaw nation,” the governor stated.
He noted that discussions were ongoing among Ijaw leaders to address issues generated by the disputed election and questioned the urgency behind proceeding with the inauguration while litigation and reconciliation efforts were still underway.
Read also:
- Learn from INC electoral crisis, Gov. Diri tasks IYC electoral committee
- Ijaw traditional rulers, elders declare INC election null, void
- Why we suspended INC elections – Ijaw Elders, Monarchs
Governor Diri urged the outgoing Okaba-led executive committee and the electoral committee to exercise caution and allow ongoing dispute resolution mechanisms to run their full course.
He warned against actions capable of deepening division within the organisation, describing the INC as a critical voice and symbol of unity for the Ijaw people.
According to him, preserving the integrity, legitimacy, and unity of the congress should remain the priority of all stakeholders involved in the leadership crisis.
The development comes amid growing concerns over internal disagreements within the INC following the emergence of a purported new executive leadership for the organisation.
