Diri Blows Hot: Stop INC Inauguration Now or Risk Dividing Ijaw Nation
By Passman Akpos
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has asked the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to immediately suspend the planned inauguration of a new executive committee scheduled for May 14, 2026.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, where Diri expressed deep concern over the growing crisis surrounding the recent purported election of a new leadership for the foremost Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Diri, who is also the pioneer Organising Secretary of the INC, said his intervention was necessary because of the legal disputes and internal tensions currently threatening the unity of the Ijaw nation.
He stressed that as a major stakeholder and leader of the Ijaw people, his priority remains preserving peace, unity, and the integrity of the Congress rather than allowing actions that could divide the ethnic nationality.
The governor also faulted the outgoing executive led by Professor Benjamin Okaba for allegedly using his name and official title to publicize the planned inauguration without first informing him or obtaining his consent.
According to him, such action was misleading and capable of creating confusion among Ijaw people, especially at a time when efforts were already underway by elders and stakeholders to resolve the leadership crisis.
“Let me be unequivocal that I am not in support of anyone trying to fractionalise the INC or cause disaffection in the Ijaw nation,” Diri stated.
He added that since the matter remains in court and is still under active dispute resolution, proceeding with the inauguration would only worsen tensions and further divide the organization.
“At the moment, Ijaw leaders are working towards resolving the crisis that arose from the purported election of a new INC leadership. The matter is even still a subject of litigation. So why the hurry?” he asked.
Governor Diri urged the outgoing Okaba-led executive committee and the electoral committee to act with caution and allow peace efforts and legal processes to run their full course before taking any further steps.
He warned against using the INC—a body he described as the strongest and most effective voice of the Ijaw people—as a tool for division, insisting that no action should be taken to undermine its legitimacy, authority, and unity.
The development is expected to spark fresh debate across the Niger Delta as political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders closely monitor the unfolding leadership battle within the INC.
