The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the leading socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw people, has established a seven-member committee to address the ongoing leadership issues within its youth wing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
The committee, led by Engr. Ebipamowei Wodu with Dr. Chris Ekiyor, former IYC President, as Secretary, was inaugurated on Tuesday in Yenagoa. This move follows a stakeholders meeting held on 10th September 2024 in Warri, Delta State, which emphasized the urgent need to resolve the internal conflicts within the IYC to prevent escalation.
The committee’s mandate includes identifying the causes of the persistent crisis in the IYC, engaging with involved parties to resolve internal disputes, and addressing the issue of double presidency within the IYC. The committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the INC President within two weeks.
INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba expressed appreciation for the committee members and urged them to approach the task with diligence and integrity. He acknowledged the challenge of satisfying all individual concerns but emphasized the need for cooperation to achieve peace.
Okaba also strongly condemned the recent violent incident at the IYC Eastern Zonal Elections in Abuloma Town, Rivers State, on 14th September 2024, resulting in tragic loss of life. He extended condolences to the affected families and community and called on security agencies to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
The INC under Okaba’s leadership is committed to working with stakeholders to find long-term solutions to prevent such violence and promote peaceful coexistence within the Ijaw nation.