The Ijaw National Congress (INC), has admitted its failure to bring together sons and daughters of Ijaw ethnic nationality, especially notable politicians from the various political parties during the 2017 Isaac Adaka Boro’s Day held in Yenagoa last week.
The organization in a statement by its Chairman (Central Zone), Kennedy Odiowei described the comment by Governor Henry Seriake Dickson at the event as a “food for thought.”
The INC expressed concern over the over present position occupied by the Ijaw nation in the country, despite its contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Ijaw group blamed detractors for twisting the Governor’s speech, adding that the video, audio clips and the testimonies of notable Ijaw sons and daughters in attendance confirmed that Dickson did not make derogatory remarks about former President Goodluck Jonathan as being made to be believed by detractors.
The group stated that it was high time Ijaw sons and daughters came together and put aside their political differences and fight for the collective interest of the region rather than allow any black leg to cause disaffection among them.
The INC stated that it is high time Ijaw land occupies her right of place in the Country and to achieve this, our leaders must come together and this was the message that Governor Dickson was trying to pass across during the last Boro day celebration.
“However, it is sad to note that instead of appreciating the efforts of the governor of Ijaw homogeneous state, the detractors for their selfish reason decided to twist the message in order to cause crisis in the region”, INC emphasised.
The statement reads:”We members of the INC have admitted our failure. We have left what is to be done or undone. The governor’s statement has woken us up from our slumber. It is our responsibility to join forces with our leaders irrespective of their political parties to ensure a rapid development of the region.
“This region has suffered neglect by the successive administrations in the region and this narrative can only be changed by our coming together as a formidable people.
“Our political leaders should lead well, our ministers and other appointees should use their positions to attract good things to the region. We should copy good things from the people from the other region that hold the same position at the state and Federal levels.
“This is what Governor Dickson was drawing our attention to and we should take it serious. We should not allow detractors to cause disaffection among our leaders, especially President jonathan and his closest ally, Governor Seriake Dickson.
“Governor Dickson, as a former legal secretary of INC and Governor of Bayelsa state has taken the mantle of leadership of ijaw nation to the next level.”