The Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum (ILCF) has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed by the Convener Hendrick Opukeme, the ILCF described the governor's move as a "strategic and a "bold declaration of statesmanship".
The group noted that Governor Diri's decision has repositioned the Ijaw voice within the national equation, rekindling hope, relevance, and responsibility for the Ijaw people across the Niger Delta and beyond. The ILCF pledged its unwavering support and collaborative commitment to ensure that the transition becomes a redefinition of Ijaw destiny in the Nigerian project.
The statement read, "the Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum (ILCF), on behalf of the elders, stakeholders, and traditional leadership across the length and breadth of the Ijaw nation, conveys its heartfelt solidarity, commendation, and national applause on your courageous and strategic decisions to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
"Your Excellency, this historic political realignment is not merely a matter of partisan affiliation — it is a strategic national statement, a bold declaration of statesmanship, and a clear assertion of Ijaw political maturity in the unfolding
dynamics of Nigeria’s democracy. By this act, you have repositioned the Ijaw voice within the larger national equation and rekindled a sense of renewed hope,
relevance, and responsibility for our people across the Niger Delta and beyond.
"Your decision resonates deeply with the Ijaw consciousness — that of courage in conviction, resilience in adversity, and foresight in leadership. It has sent a message
of awakening and unity throughout the three zones of the Ijaw nation: Western, Central, and Eastern Ijaw.
"The Stakeholders meeting was coordinated by the Hon. Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Bayelsa state government, HRM, God'spower Tam Oporomo, Tara Eza 1st, Pere of Kierebiri - Mein, Bomadi LGA Delta State
At the enlarged stakeholders’ political consultative meeting convened by the Executive Committee of the Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum (ILCF) on Saturday, November 3, 2025, at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, leaders, youths,
women, and opinion moulders from all three zones of the Ijaw nation were in massive attendance.
"The collective resolution of that meeting was an overwhelming
endorsement of your political movement and an expression of total solidarity with
your visionary step toward national integration and transformative partnership.
"Your Excellency, this move, properly consolidated, will reposition Bayelsa State and
the entire Ijaw nation at the heart of Nigeria’s developmental agenda. We see in your action the dawn of a new political synergy that transcends rhetoric — a synergy of purpose, unity, and strategic engagement with the centre.
"The ILCF, therefore, pledges its unwavering support and collaborative commitment to ensure that this transition becomes not just a change of party, but a redefinition of Ijaw destiny in the Nigerian project. We call on all Ijaw sons and
daughters, at home and in the diaspora, to rally around your leadership and align
with this evolving national movement anchored on inclusion, justice,
"May the Almighty continue to guide and strengthen you as you lead our people with
wisdom, courage, and divine purpose.With profound respect and patriotic regards", the group added.
However, the governor's defection to APC was celebrated at a grand ceremony in Yenagoa, attended by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other governors. Governor Diri stated that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by the desire to advance Bayelsa's unity and development.
The APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, urged Governor Diri to deliver Bayelsa State to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, saying, "Take this as a symbol of strength, symbol of unity, unite our party, make it stronger and bring all the votes".
No comments:
Post a Comment