Group Accuses “Enemies of Ijaw Nation” of Sponsoring Attacks Against Tompolo, INC President Igbadiwei, Urges Gov Diri to Exercise Restraint Calls for Unity Among Ijaw People

 

Group Accuses “Enemies of Ijaw Nation” of Sponsoring Attacks Against Tompolo, INC President Igbadiwei, Urges Gov Diri to Exercise Restraint

Calls for Unity Among Ijaw People

A leading advocacy group, the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has condemned what it described as sponsored attacks and allegations against former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the newly inaugurated President of the Ijaw National Congress, Macdonald Igbadiwei.

The group described the allegations as “malicious, baseless, and aimed at inciting unnecessary conflict and destabilising the Ijaw nation.”

In a statement issued on Thursday, IPDI President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, alleged that accusations contained in a recent press release by a group identified as Niger Delta Reformed Youths were a deliberate attempt to discredit what he described as a legitimate electoral process and create division among Ijaw people.

According to Ozobo, there is nothing unlawful or morally wrong with individuals close to Tompolo contesting for elective positions.

“Even the devil will support people close to him in pursuing their ambitions. It is not a crime for Tompolo to support people close to him in achieving their dreams. Dragging Tompolo into the INC matter is unnecessary and childish,” he stated.

The group further claimed that, in the interest of peace, Tompolo left his hometown of Oporoza and visited the Bayelsa State Government House to meet with Douye Diri over concerns arising from the INC election.

However, IPDI alleged that the Bayelsa governor failed to handle the matter appropriately.

“It is unfortunate that despite efforts to maintain peace, the governor allegedly made statements and directives that were considered unfounded. That does not reflect positively on leadership,” the group stated.

The organisation urged Governor Diri to exercise caution in handling issues related to the INC election, noting that disputes are common in democratic processes.

The group cited the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu and various governorship elections as examples of electoral contests that generated disputes but were resolved through due process.

IPDI also addressed concerns surrounding traditional rulers, stating that monarchs serve advisory roles within the INC and do not possess judicial authority to issue binding directives.

According to the group, there was no subsisting court order restraining the conduct of the election at the time it was held.

The organisation further alleged that some traditional rulers who reportedly opposed the election outcome later attended the inauguration ceremony held in Warri.

“The same persons allegedly angered by the election outcome were present at the inauguration. This raises questions about the criticism being directed at the process,” the statement added.

Defending the election that produced Igbadiwei, the group maintained that the process was conducted in accordance with the constitution of the Ijaw National Congress.

“The election was conducted electronically under the supervision of the electoral committee. It was free, fair, credible, and peaceful. The outcome reflects the will of delegates across Ijaw land,” Ozobo stated.

The group also dismissed criticisms of Igbadiwei’s previous tenure as a lawmaker representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

Ozobo argued that while no public office holder is perfect, losing a re-election bid should not be interpreted as betrayal.

“Losing an election is part of democracy. Using that against his character is misleading and a distortion of political reality,” he said.

On issues concerning traditional leadership in Gbaraun Kingdom, the group maintained that chieftaincy matters should remain within the jurisdiction of traditional institutions and relevant state authorities.

“The public should disregard attempts to drag chieftaincy disputes into partisan politics. Such matters should be handled by traditional councils and appropriate government institutions,” the statement noted.

IPDI called on Ijaw leaders, youths, and stakeholders to reject inflammatory rhetoric and instead focus on unity, peace, and development across Ijaw communities.

The group said the new INC leadership under Igbadiwei presents an opportunity to advance key issues such as environmental justice, resource control, and youth empowerment.

“The Ijaw nation cannot afford distractions caused by personal attacks and unverified allegations. We urge all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to support the new leadership in the collective interest of our people,” Ozobo added.

The group said it would continue engaging stakeholders to promote peace and stability within the Ijaw socio-cultural space.

Macdonald Igbadiwei was officially inaugurated as President of the Ijaw National Congress on May 14, 2026, during a handover ceremony by outgoing President Benjamin Okaba in Warri.