Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, has emphasised the importance of unity among the Ijaw people in Delta State, describing it as critical to the ethnic group’s development and political relevance.
Diri made the remarks on Wednesday at Bomadi Local Government Area during a grand reception organised in honour of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, by Delta Ijaw political leaders.
Addressing the gathering, the Bayelsa governor said cohesion among the Ijaw people would strengthen their voice and ensure they are taken seriously in political and developmental matters.
While pledging continued support, Diri commended Oborevwori’s performance in office, noting that his administration had delivered tangible development in Ijaw communities and across Delta State.
He stated that the governor’s achievements in his first term justified the growing calls for his re-election, adding that he would personally support his second-term bid.
The Bayelsa governor also called on leaders across the Niger Delta to prioritise service over personal interests.
He disclosed plans to explore possible collaboration with his Delta counterpart on a bridge project aimed at linking Ijaw communities in both states.
“Governor Sheriff has done so well for the Ijaw people in Delta and the testimonies are clear.
“By your works you have been endorsed for a second tenure and so shall it be.
”We all have a common terrain and culture and so for any of us that God has elevated, it should be service to our people,” he said.
Diri dismissed claims that the riverine terrain of Ijawland makes development difficult, insisting that such notions had been disproved.
“It is a lie that due to the terrain of Ijawland, road construction is impossible.
“You have proved such people wrong. The governor is development-oriented and I am sure he will continue to listen to Ijaw people.
“We must break that jinx that Ijaw nation terrain is too difficult to develop.
“I commend the Ijaw people in Delta. You are united and you speak in one voice. We will continue to support our people from wherever we are, ” he said.
In his response, Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude for the reception, describing it as a deeply personal and significant honour.
He said the event felt like a homecoming, noting that the support he had consistently received from the Ijaw people strengthened him during challenging periods in his political journey.
“I feel highly honoured to be here among the Ijaw nation. For me, this is the highest honour and I appreciate it.
“The atmosphere and reception feel like homecoming. Today I feel like an Ijaw man,” he said.
The governor acknowledged the role of the Ijaw nation and other ethnic groups in his emergence as governor, particularly during the 2023 elections and subsequent legal challenges.
“This event is not a surprise to me. God used the Ijaw people and other ethnic nationalities to bring me to office.
“I cannot forget how the Ijaw nation, at every given time, stood by me during my period of travail. It gave me strength.”
Oborevwori revealed that his administration had spent over N400 billion on infrastructure development in Ijaw communities and assured that more projects and political appointments would follow.
“I thank the Ijaw people for the award and for endorsing me and Mr. President. I do not take it for granted.
“I will reciprocate that love through appointment and infrastructure development,” he added.
Earlier, chairman of the reception’s central organising committee, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, described the event as a significant moment to appreciate the governor’s contributions to the development of Ijaw communities.
Also speaking, former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, who chaired the event, praised Oborevwori’s performance and declared him deserving of a second term in office.
In separate remarks, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and President of the Ijaw National Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, commended the governor’s achievements, noting that the reception was a demonstration of appreciation by the Ijaw people.
Both leaders also reaffirmed the ethnic group’s support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori’s re-election in 2027.
The highlight of the event was the formal endorsement of Tinubu and Oborevwori for a second term by Ijaw political leaders in Delta State.
The motion for the endorsement was moved by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Julius Pondi, and seconded by state lawmaker, Hon. Kenneth Oboro.
It was subsequently adopted through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Guwor.
Oborevwori was also conferred with the traditional title “Izon Ebimieowei of Delta State” in recognition of his contributions to the development of Ijaw communities.
Diri was accompanied to the event by top government officials, including Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and other lawmakers and commissioners, reflecting the high-level political significance of the gathering.
