Diri congratulates Lokpobiri-led IYC, vows continued support ~ Truth Reporters

 

By Binebai Princewill

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has congratulated the 9th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and its President, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri.

The Governor while congratulating the new national officers of the Ijaw Youth Council had also vowed to stand by the IYC to continue his support for the youth council.

Diri made the remark at his Esampou country home, Bayelsa State while receiving the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) national executive Council, founding fathers, leadership of parliament, former Presidents of council, Zonal structures, elders Council, clan structures and other critical stakeholders of council.

Diri charged Lokpobiri and members of the 9th NEC never to compromise the Ijaw struggle, stressing that the IYC and its parent body, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) are the most powerful organs that should always speak to defend the sanctity of the Ijaw people in the Nigerian State.

He further urged the IYC to prioritise the unity of Ijaw nation, stressing that in unity lies the strength of a better Ijaw nation in the Nigerian State.

The Governor who spoke passionately about the critical nature of the Ijaw Youth Council to the Ijaw people had also charged President Lokpobiri and the 9th NEC to demand for the creation of more states for the Ijaws in the Nigerian State, adding that the Ijaws bulkernized into some of the states are really suffering as minorities.

Diri also called on the IYC to maintain its apolitical nature, stressing that council must not be partisan as it must be firm and bold to demand from the Federal Government of Nigeria what is due the Ijaw people.

According to him, the Ijaw people must participate and benefit from their resources that sustains the nation’s economy.

“As the Governor of Bayelsa State and Ijaw nation, I charge you all to continue to promote the great ideals of the Ijaw struggle in demands for justice and fairness in the development of Ijaw Nation.

“I am also calling on our youths to join hands in ensuring that the forthcoming Gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State is peaceful.” Governor Diri stated.

Earlier, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, President Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, popularly known as the crown prince of Ijaw Nation had appreciated the Governor for the audience, the neutral role he played during the election as well as ensuring a peaceful transition process.

Jonathan Lokpobiri had assured the Bayelsa State Governor that the Ijaw Youth Council under his watch will make Ijaw nation proud by negotiating a better deal for the Ijaw people in the Nigerian State.

Lokpobiri also used the medium to unveil his plan to build a secretariat for the Ijaw Youth Council in Yenagoa with a request from the Governor to provide the land for the edifice.

Meanwhile, the crown prince of Ijaw nation had promised to carry everyone along, stressing that he will continue to uphold the ideals of the Ijaw struggle.

It was learnt that a total of one hundred and twenty three (123) persons made the IYC delegation that went to visit the Governor at his country home, Esampou in Bayelsa State yesterday