Former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and former Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Kingsley Kuku, has praised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his pivotal role in restoring unity within the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and ensuring the successful conduct of its national election.
In a statement, Kuku described the July 11, 2026 election as a major milestone for the apex Ijaw youth body, noting that the peaceful exercise reflected a renewed commitment to unity and progress among Ijaw youths.
He credited Governor Diri’s leadership and reconciliation efforts for resolving internal disagreements that had threatened the organisation’s stability, saying the governor’s inclusive approach encouraged rival groups to embrace peace and participate in a widely accepted electoral process.
According to Kuku, Diri’s emphasis on dialogue, consensus-building and the collective interest of the Ijaw people created the atmosphere of trust that made the election free of disputes and divisions.
He also commended the governor for providing logistical and financial support that helped ensure the smooth organisation of the election, describing the gesture as evidence of his confidence in the capacity of Ijaw youths to provide responsible leadership.
The former IYC spokesman said the successful transition marked one of the most peaceful and credible leadership changes in the council’s history, adding that it further strengthened Governor Diri’s reputation as a leader committed to reconciliation and the unity of the Ijaw nation.
Kuku congratulated the newly elected officials and all participants in the election, urging the new leadership to safeguard the unity achieved through the reconciliation process and remain focused on promoting the aspirations and development of the Ijaw people.
He stressed that sustained cooperation, visionary leadership and constructive engagement among Ijaw youths would pave the way for a stronger and more prosperous future for the ethnic nationality.
