Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has called on the Ijaw people to remain united and focused in their collective struggle for justice, genuine federalism and resource control in Nigeria.
Diri made the call while delivering his address at the Ijaw Day Convention organised by the Ijaw National Congress (INC), where leaders, elders and delegates gathered to deliberate on the future of the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
Addressing the gathering, the governor said the convention was not merely a ceremonial event but an opportunity for the Ijaw people to renew their commitment to the ideals of equity, fairness and prosperity within the Nigerian federation.
He noted that the coming months and years would be critical for the Ijaw nation, urging leaders and stakeholders to avoid petty disputes and sectional rivalry that could undermine the collective interest of the people.
According to him, the strength of the Ijaw nation lies in its unity and determination to defend its rights through strategic and responsible engagement.
Diri lamented that despite the enormous contribution of the Niger Delta to Nigeria’s economy, particularly through oil and gas resources, communities in the region still suffer environmental degradation, economic inequality and infrastructural neglect.
He stressed that the people must take responsibility for their own development and reject the notion that the terrain of the Niger Delta is too difficult for meaningful infrastructure development.
Citing ongoing projects in Bayelsa State, the governor maintained that roads and other infrastructure could be constructed across riverine communities if there is strong political will and commitment.
The governor also reiterated the need for Nigeria to practice genuine federalism, arguing that the current structure of governance resembles a centralized system rather than a true federal arrangement.
According to him, in a true federal system, power and resources should be shared among federating units, allowing regions to develop based on their resources while contributing taxes to the central government.
Diri also emphasized the long-standing demand of the Ijaw nation for meaningful resource control, noting that greater control of natural resources would significantly transform the development prospects of the region.
Reflecting on the political aspirations of the Ijaw people, the governor recalled that the original vision of the Ijaw struggle included the creation of additional states for Ijaw communities.
He pointed out that while the creation of Bayelsa State was a major achievement, the goal of additional states remains part of the long-term agenda of the Ijaw nation.
The governor further commended the leadership of the INC under its president, Benjamin Ogele Okaba, for securing international recognition for the Ijaw people through participation in the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization.
He said the recognition gives the Ijaw nation a global platform to present its concerns and aspirations before the international community.
Diri also raised concerns over the gradual decline in the use of the Ijaw language among young people, describing the trend as alarming.
He urged parents and communities to ensure that the language is spoken and preserved at home, while commending ongoing efforts by the Bayelsa State Government and the INC to promote the teaching of the language in schools.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of former Nigerian president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for promoting the Ijaw traditional attire as a national cultural symbol.
He disclosed that the Bayelsa State Government has institutionalized the use of the Ijaw traditional dress among workers in the state every Friday as part of efforts to promote cultural identity.
Speaking ahead of the leadership election within the INC, Diri declared that he had deliberately refrained from endorsing any candidate in order to allow a free, fair and transparent process.
He urged contestants to place the interests of the Ijaw nation above personal ambition and avoid importing the divisive practices often associated with Nigerian electoral politics into the affairs of the congress.
According to him, the election must reflect the unity and dignity of the Ijaw people, adding that whoever emerges victorious should be congratulated by all contestants in the spirit of brotherhood.
The governor concluded by calling on the Ijaw people to remain resolute and determined in their collective pursuit of improved healthcare, education, infrastructure and better livelihoods across Ijaw communities.
He expressed confidence that through unity, patience and shared purpose, the Ijaw nation would continue to advance its aspirations within Nigeria and beyond.
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