Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, on Friday attended the non-elective convention of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, where he declared that the state government is not backing any candidate in the forthcoming INC leadership election.
The governor urged the electoral committee to ensure a free, fair, and transparent process, while also advising aspirants not to see the election as a do-or-die affair but rather as a call to serve the Ijaw nation.
Diri noted that the convention provides an opportunity for the Ijaw people to reflect on their collective future and renew the ideals that have sustained them over the years.
“Today, we are here at this convention to chart a course for our collective future and renew the ideals and aspirations that have sustained our people through generations,” he said.
The governor also commended the outgoing President of the INC and members of the executive council for their leadership, noting that their administration achieved significant milestones for the Ijaw nation.
He particularly highlighted the feat of securing a permanent seat for the Ijaw nation at the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples Organization (UNPO), reiterating his neutrality in the leadership contest.
“Since this race started, I have consciously and deliberately denied every contestant from seeing me. Let me declare here that I have no candidate. As a father, all the contestants are well known to me. I wish them all good luck,” he stated.
He further expressed confidence that the INC President and the electoral committee would conduct a credible election and urged contestants to abide by the rules and guidelines guiding the process.
Dignitaries at the event included Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Bayelsa State APC Chairman, Hon. Warman Ogoriba; Acting Chief of Staff, Government House, Irorodamie Komonibo; and INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Bubaraye Dakolo, commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and other top government officials.
