BREAKING: Gov. Diri Reunites Rival IYC Presidents, Pushes for Unity Convention to End Leadership Crisis
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA— Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has stepped into the prolonged leadership crisis rocking the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), calling on the two rival national presidents to put aside their differences and work together in the interest of the Ijaw nation.
Speaking during a meeting at the Banquet Hall in Yenagoa on Tuesday, Governor Diri brought together Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr and Alaye Tari Theophilus in a bid to end the long-running dispute over the leadership of the youth body.
The governor urged both leaders to embrace peace, reconciliation and unity by jointly organizing a Unity Elective Convention that would produce a widely accepted national leadership for the council.
Addressing the gathering, Diri stressed that he was not backing any individual for the position, insisting that only the most qualified candidate with the interest of the Ijaw nation at heart should emerge.
“I am not endorsing anybody. Let the best hand, someone who has the Ijaw nation at heart, be given the opportunity to serve the Ijaw nation,” the governor said.
The meeting marked one of the most significant reconciliation efforts aimed at resolving the leadership tussle that has divided the IYC in recent months.
Observers believe the governor’s intervention could pave the way for lasting peace within the council and strengthen the unity of Ijaw youths across the Niger Delta if both factions honour the agreement to work together.
Further details of the proposed unity convention and resolutions reached at the meeting are expected to emerge.
