Former Bayelsa State Governor and founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has called for reconciliation and unity among Ijaw leaders following the emergence of the new leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
Dickson made the call after receiving the newly elected President of the INC, Honourable High Chief McDonald Ebi Igbadiwe, who visited him alongside members of the organisation’s executive.
The former governor congratulated Igbadiwe and his team on their emergence and wished them success in their service to the Ijaw people.
Dickson said he had followed developments surrounding the leadership transition within the INC and commended the Bayelsa State Government, Ijaw elders and leaders for establishing a reconciliation committee to address issues that preceded the election.
He expressed hope that the committee’s recommendations would be implemented quickly to restore lasting peace, harmony and unity within the organisation.
“Having managed Ijaw leadership affairs for several years, I appreciate the complexities and sentiments involved in resolving disputes of this nature,” Dickson said.
He urged Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to support reconciliation efforts, stressing that dialogue, sacrifice and unity remained the best path toward resolving disagreements.
Dickson warned against actions capable of creating divisions within the Ijaw nation or weakening its institutions.
“I do not support any move by anyone, no matter how highly placed, that seeks to sow division within the Ijaw Nation or any of its organs,” he stated.
The senator also defended the leadership role of the Bayelsa State Government in matters concerning the Ijaw people, regardless of political differences.
According to Dickson, leaders and stakeholders should offer advice to the governor in good faith rather than undermine the authority of the state government in advancing the Ijaw agenda.
He stressed that the interests of the Ijaw people should remain above political party affiliations.
“The affairs of the Ijaw Nation transcend political partisanship. They concern our collective survival, our identity and our rightful place within Nigeria,” Dickson said.
The former governor recalled his efforts while in office to promote Ijaw identity, culture and heritage, including the establishment of institutions and policies such as the Ministry of Ijaw National Affairs, the Ijaw Heroes Memorial Park, the Ijaw National Academy, the Ijaw Language Project and the Ijaw History Project.
He said his administration also promoted partnerships with other ethnic nationalities through platforms such as PANDEF, Ohanaeze, Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum and Arewa groups to discuss national issues including restructuring and environmental concerns.
Dickson said the unity and future of the Ijaw people were major considerations in his decision to support the emergence of the current Bayelsa State Governor as his successor.
He added that, since becoming a senator, he had continued to advocate for issues affecting the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
The former governor expressed sadness over disagreements that could weaken the Ijaw and Niger Delta movements, urging all parties to resolve outstanding issues peacefully.
Dickson described McDonald Ebi Igbadiwe as someone he had known for years and said he believed the new INC president had the capacity to provide purposeful leadership with the right support and guidance.
He also acknowledged that other candidates who contested for INC leadership positions were capable leaders, saying the election process should now be put behind them so the organisation could focus on challenges facing the Ijaw nation.
Dickson wished the Ijaw people, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria continued peace and progress.
