“The IYC Formula That United Ijaw Youth—Should INC Copy It?”

By Passman Akpos

YENAGOA, Bayelsa State — A prominent Ijaw stakeholder, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has called on the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to adopt the reconciliation model recently deployed by elders and leaders of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), describing it as a practical demonstration of unity, inclusiveness and sincere leadership.

In a statement issued on Friday, Ikuli said the IYC reconciliation process succeeded because the elders and leaders openly acknowledged existing divisions instead of ignoring them. According to him, they created an atmosphere where every stakeholder was respected and given a sense of belonging, regardless of age, influence or political affiliation.

He praised High Chief (Barr.) Dr. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku and members of his team for replicating a reconciliation strategy previously used in Lagos in 2013, noting that the approach eventually succeeded where several earlier peace meetings had failed.

Ikuli said the strength of the reconciliation effort lay in its inclusiveness, stressing that no individual or group was treated as more important than another and that every voice within the Ijaw Nation was allowed to contribute to the peace process.

He also commended Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, Barr. Oweilaemi Roland Pereotubo, Barr. Eric Omare, and other leaders for prioritising the collective interest of the Ijaw Nation over personal ambitions during the negotiations.

According to him, Dr. Kuku’s wisdom and tact helped calm tensions within the IYC, leading to what he described as one of the council’s most successful national conventions since its establishment in 1998.

Reflecting on the history of Ijaw organisations, Ikuli argued that both the IYC and INC achieved their greatest successes through teamwork rather than personality-driven leadership. He cited the contributions of figures such as the late Barr. Oronto N. Douglas, Dr. Isaac Osuoka, Barr. Kingsley Kuku, Dr. Chris Ekio, Elder Joseph Eva, and Prof. Kimse Okoko, whose advocacy and media engagement strengthened the voice of the Ijaw people nationally.

Ikuli warned against introducing what he described as “compensatory politics” and patronage into the affairs of the INC, saying such an approach could weaken the organisation at a time when the Ijaw Nation faces significant political and developmental challenges.

He expressed concern over what he alleged was the exclusion of Bayelsa State from recent federal road infrastructure awards despite its strategic importance as Nigeria’s only homogeneous Ijaw state and a major contributor to the country’s oil and gas resources.

The stakeholder maintained that the INC must remain a strong and vocal platform capable of defending the interests of the Ijaw people and articulating their concerns on national issues.

He urged Ijaw elders and critical stakeholders to address all lingering disputes within the INC rather than assuming they would disappear over time, warning that unresolved disagreements could undermine the organisation’s effectiveness.

Ikuli also commended members of the INC Reconciliation Committee for their sacrifices and expressed optimism that their recommendations would help reform, strengthen and reposition the apex socio-cultural body of the Ijaw people.

He concluded by reminding Ijaw leaders that the word “Izon” signifies truth, urging them to uphold that principle as they work towards building a more united and prosperous Ijaw Nation.