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Bayelsa Governor tasks youth group on Ijaw Interest
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Newly-elected president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC),Mr 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 over the weekend Lokpobiri recalled how both bodies battled with internal wrangling 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.
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.
According to him, by receiving the IYC he has given legitimacy to the Lokpobiri-led IYC and pledged to support the executive to enable it to succeed.
His words: “First of all, you have to put the 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.
