Diri Gave INC, IYC Fresh Direction, Says Lokpobiri

...Bayelsa Governor Charges Youth Group To Prioritise Ijaw Interest 

Newly-elected president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri, has said the foremost Ijaw nation youth organisation is grateful to the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for giving the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the IYC a new lease of life. 

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Governor at his Sampou community home on Saturday, Comrade Lokpobiri recalled how both bodies battled with internal wranglings before the Governor assumed office and intervened to bring peace and unity within them. 

He also appreciated the Governor for his role in ensuring the election that produced the current executive was peaceful and credible.

While noting that Governor Diri’s neutrality allowed the will of the people to prevail, Lokpobiri also expressed gratitude to leaders of the Ijaw nation for their contributions to the success of the election.

The IYC President appealed for land to build a national secretariat for the group as well as financial support while assuring that his executive will not let Ijaw nation down. 

He lamented that the Ijaws, who are a minority in five other Niger Delta states apart from Bayelsa, are being marginalised and ill-treated and appealed to the Governor to use his office to intervene.

Governor Diri, in his remarks, stressed the need for the Ijaw nation to be united and peaceful, saying that it is the only way the ethnic group can develop.

He tasked the new IYC leadership to place service to Ijawland above any personal consideration, stressing that the ethnic group was looking up to them.

He also advised the IYC to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, patience and tolerance in order for them to go far, saying they are dealing with a bracket of people who are volatile.


While stressing the need for the group to remain politically neutral, he urged them to speak up against violence in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The Bayelsa helmsman said by receiving them, he has given legitimacy to the Lokpobiri-led IYC and pledged to support the executive to enable it succeed.

His words: "Let me on behalf of the Government of Bayelsa State congratulate you. For those who lost and are here, I also congratulate you. I told you from the beginning that I am a father to all of you and as such I would not support anybody."

“First of all, you have to put Ijaw nation before your personal interest. If you put your interest first, you will not succeed. Live up to your oath and do not be the master. Be the servant in humility, respect and honour. We must change our mindset as Ijaw people to learn how to depend on ourselves and be enterprising."

"Election has been a problem in Ijawland. Some people are threatening to kill in the November 11 governorship election but I know as youths you would not allow it. We should all join hands to make the election violence-free. I will not spill blood to remain in office."

"The struggle continues to get other homogeneous Ijaw states. So we must keep the fire burning and work hand in gloves with the INC in order to leave worthy legacies." 


“We have heard your requests and we will respond at the appropriate time. We will work with you and we hope and pray that the Ijaw nation grows."

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Mr. Patrick Erasmus, lauded Governor Diri for stabilising the INC and IYC and expressed optimism that the IYC new executive will live up to expectation.




Daniel Alabrah

Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor 

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Governor Caleb Mutfwang Rejoices With His Excellency, Nyesom Wike On Birthday

Image
Plateau State Governor, His Excellency, Barr Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, joined other well-wishers and political associates in commemorating the birthday of the former Governor of Rivers State and Honourable Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Wike, CON. In a press statement released from Jos, Governor Mutfwang paid tribute to Wike as a devoted, patriotic, and iconic figure in Nigerian politics. His selfless dedication to public service, Governor Mutfwang believes, will serve as a lasting inspiration for generations in service to Nigeria. Governor Mutfwang lauded the exceptional qualities of former Governor Wike, describing him as a selfless, courageous, and benevolent philanthropist as his impact on countless lives, especially among the less privileged, resonates across the nation.  He noted that the unwavering commitment of the Minister to Nigeria's unity as demonstrated through a lifetime of selfless political service, will continue to shape th
Read more

Education Remains a Top Priority of Our Policy Thrust: Gov. Fubara

Image
The Rivers State Government says it will continue to place education as one of the top most priorities of its policy thrust. Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt on Saturday 24th February, 2024. The Governor who spoke through his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, said although the University of Port Harcourt is a Federal University the State Government would continue to support and collaborate with it to place it in a path that  would be the envy of other institutions. “We shall support you because whenever we add value to this institution, you add double value to whatever we have placed before you and we shall continue to ensure that you are given a place of high distinction and excellence”, the Governor stressed. Governor Fubara disclosed that his administration was desirous to create the enabling environment to ensure Rivers State remains a preferred destination to achieve quality education in the country,
Read more

Governor Mutfwang Crowns New Ngolong Ngas, HRH Nde Jika Golit

Image
The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has performed the coronation of the New Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit. The ceremony is coming nine years after the demise of the late Ngolong Ngas, Nde Joshua Dimlong. Governor Mutfwang, who performed the presentation of staff of office and certificate to the New Ngolong Ngas at the Pankshin Township Stadium, praised the Ngas Nation for a rancor-free selection process of the new Ngolong Ngas. He warned mischief makers against needless court actions that are capable of delaying or frustrating the selection and installation of traditional rulers in the state. He also implored citizens to alway accept the will of God in all circumstances. "I congratulate the Ngolong Ngas, Nde Jika Golit, on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. His selection by the kingmakers, through a peaceful and rancor-free atmosphere, is worthy of emulation by other ethnic groups in the state." the Governor stated. "Let me s
Read more