The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has admitted its failure to bring together sons and daughters of Ijaw ethnic nationality, especially notable politicians from the various political parties, during last week’s Isaac Adaka Boro’s Day in Yenagoa, the state capital.
In a statement by its Chairman (Central Zone), Kennedy Odiowei, INC described the comment by Governor Seriake Dickson at the event as a “food for thought”.
The congress expressed concern over the position occupied by the Ijaw nation in the country, despite its contribution to the nation’s economic growth.
The group blamed detractors for twisting the governor’s speech, saying the video, audio clips and testimonies of notable Ijaw sons and daughters at the event confirmed that Dickson did not make derogatory remarks about former President Goodluck Jonathan, as being peddled by detractors.
INC said it was high time Ijaw sons and daughters came together and put aside their political differences and fight for the collective interest of the region, rather than allow any black leg to cause disaffection among them.
The congress said it is high time Ijaw land occupied its right of place in the country.
To achieve this, it stressed, Ijaw leaders must come together.
INC said this was the message Dickson was trying to pass across during the last Boro Day celebration.
The statement added: “However, it is sad to note that instead of appreciating the efforts of the governor of Ijaw homogeneous state, the detractors, for their selfish reason, decided to twist the message in order to cause a crisis in the region.
“We, members of the INC, have admitted our failure. We have left what is to be done or undone. The governor’s statement has woken us up from our slumber. It is our responsibility to join forces with our leaders, irrespective of their political parties, to ensure a rapid development of the region.
“This region has suffered neglect by successive administrations in the region, and this narrative can only be changed by our coming together as a formidable people.
“Our political leaders should lead well, our ministers and other appointees should use their positions to attract good things to the region. We should copy good things from the people from the other region that hold the same position at the state and Federal levels.
“This is what Governor Dickson was drawing our attention to, and we should take it serious. We should not allow detractors to cause disaffection among our leaders, especially former President Jonathan and his closest ally, Governor Dickson.
“Governor Dickson, as a former Legal Secretary of INC and Governor of Bayelsa State, has taken the mantle of leadership of Ijaw nation to the next level.”
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