Diri Advises INC to Postpone New Executive Inauguration

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, advising the outgoing executive committee of the Ijaw Nation Congress (INC), led by Benjamin Okaba, to shelve the inauguration of a new executive scheduled for May 14, 2026. This decision was based on legal issues arising from a recent purported election of new executives.

Diri emphasized that the INC, as a foremost socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw nation, should prioritize unity and resolve any disputes before proceeding. He expressed concern over the leadership transition occurring without proper consent and warned that it could create confusion within the Ijaw nation.

Diri urged stakeholders to tread cautiously and avoid actions that could further divide the Ijaw people, stressing the importance of maintaining harmony and addressing the ongoing crisis regarding the INC leadership, which is currently subject to litigation.