The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the global apex socio-cultural organisation for the Ijaw, has formed a seven-member committee to address the ongoing leadership crisis in its youth wing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
During the inauguration of the committee, chaired by Engr. Ebipamowei Wodu with Dr. Chris Ekiyor as Secretary, INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba explained that the move followed calls from the stakeholders’ meeting held on September 10, 2024, in Warri, Delta State.
The committee is tasked with identifying the root causes of the crisis, engaging with the involved parties, and resolving the issue of dual leadership in the IYC. They are expected to submit their findings to the INC President within two weeks.
He said: “This committee is set on a fact-finding mission as defined by the terms of reference stated above. Therefore, their observations, findings and recommendations shall be presented to and discussed by the same stakeholders meeting that authorized the setting up of this committee.
“On this note, I wish to appreciate all members of this committee for accepting the call to serve. I plead with all to apply due diligence, integrity and uprightness in the discharge of this responsibility; I have confidence that you will invest your wealth of wisdom and experience in achieving this sensitive assignment.”
Okaba added: “The composition of this committee may not be perfect in terms of meeting our individual concerns. For the fact that we cannot satisfy or include everybody in the committee, I plead for understanding and cooperation to enable us to achieve peace in Ijaw nation.
He added: “Let me reiterate in very strong terms, our total condemnation of the senseless and barbaric killing at the IYC Eastern Zonal Elections in Abuloma Town, Rivers State, on 14th September 2024. We use this opportunity to further express our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Executive Governor of Rivers State, HRM, Brigadier, Gen. Bright Ateke Fiboinumama JP (rtd) Amayanabo of Abuluma Kingdom, the immediate families of the deceased and the enter people of Abuloma, Rivers Ijaw Community for this avoidable and irreplaceable loss.
“We encourage the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act and make them face the full wrath of the law. Meanwhile, the INC under my leadership is in consultations with critical stakeholders with the view to finding lasting solutions to the issues surrounding these unwarranted killings and how to prevent similar unfortunate events from reoccurring in the future.”
“The Ijaw Nation and the INC stands for mutual tolerance and peaceful coexistence for our strength and progress is anchored on our unity of purpose: Ijaw people are not known for killing one another and this unIjaw practice must stop.
Other members of the committee are Chief Anabs Sara Igbe, Mr. Robert Brasana, Ibiba Don Pedro, Hon. Famous Daunemigha and Chief Aroloyetem Ibisime Brown.
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