By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
His Excellencies, Dcn Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, and his deputy Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo yedterday participated in the National Convention of the pan-Ijaw group, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), held at Ijaw House, Gen. Sanni Abacha Way, Yenogoa.
Top traditional rulers including Alfred Diete-Spiff, Ijaw sons and daughters all over the world were also in attendance.
The four candidates vying for the position of the INC President spotted presenting their manifestos were, Dr Chris Ekiyor, Barrister Owotorufa, Admiral P. Y Biakpara and Prof Benjamin Okaba.
Delivering his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the INC elective convention, Dcn Otuaro said “I join millions of Ijaw people to thank and appreciate His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, for his tireless efforts in painstakingly making sure the INC is fully resuscitated which is what we are here for today”.
According to the Delta State Deputy Governor “Today is symbolic because it will overcome the transitional challenges the INC had faced for some time now, and usher in a new leadership to move the Ijaw nation forward”.
He urged all contestants to approach the convention with full spirit of sportsmanship, saying the interest of ijaw nation should not be jettison by anyone for self interest at the detriment of the ijaw nation.
Otuaro expressed confidence that the INC electoral commission in place will ensure a credible process that will guarantee the emergence of a new leadership to move the Ijaw nation forward.
“We must all come together to reposition the INC to promote our core values of unity, truth and mutual trust, protect and defend our collective rights and safety”. He added.
In an address to the delegates and stakeholders, Governor Diri said the Ijaw Nation must rise to the occasion in the ongoing national discourse for fairness, equity and justice in the country.
“The INC leadership has never been and should never be a quest for personal glory, but selflessness and devotion to the corporate good.
“I am happy to note that the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) is now standing strong and I am convinced too that after this electoral process here, the INC will become a strong voice”, Gov. Diri stated.
He called for a stronger Ijaw voice on national discourse.