Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has launched a fresh reconciliation effort to end the prolonged leadership crisis rocking the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), urging rival factions to unite for the progress of the Ijaw nation.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Diri appealed to the two factional leaders, Jonathan Lokpobiri and Dr. Theophilus Alaye, to put aside their differences and work together towards a peaceful and credible elective convention.
The governor stressed that the IYC, regarded as the foremost socio-political youth organisation of the Ijaw people, must conduct its election in line with its constitution and produce a leader committed to advancing the collective interest of the ethnic nationality.
In a symbolic move, Diri invited both leaders to the podium, where they publicly shook hands, calling on them to embrace reconciliation and prioritise unity over personal ambitions.
He warned against a repeat of the recent leadership crisis that affected the Ijaw National Congress (INC), urging the youth body to learn from past divisions and ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process.
“We cannot continue with factional leadership in the IYC. What is most important is the unity of the Ijaw people.
”The next election must produce a leader who genuinely has the interest of the Ijaw nation at heart,” the governor said.
Responding, IYC President Jonathan Lokpobiri acknowledged that the collective interest of the Ijaw nation should take precedence over personal considerations and pledged commitment to the peace process.
Several prominent Ijaw leaders also threw their weight behind the reconciliation initiative.
Pioneer IYC President, Dr. Felix Tuodolo, urged the youths to avoid conflicts, while former IYC President and Amanyanabo of Elem-Kalabari Kingdom, King Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, called for unity to strengthen the Ijaw struggle for justice and development.
Other former IYC presidents, Dr. Chris Ekiyor and Dr. Oyeinfie Jonjon, as well as elder statesman Timi Ogoriba, also appealed for peace, insisting that a divided IYC would weaken the voice of the Ijaw people.
Former IYC spokesman and ex-Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Kingsley Kuku, commended Governor Diri for bringing together key stakeholders, describing the intervention as a significant step toward restoring unity and stability within the council.
