The Ijaw People's Development Initiative (IPDI) has dismissed misguided and sponsored attacks and allegations from those it referred to as "enemies of Ijaw Nation" against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and the newly sworn-in President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), High Chief (Hon.) Macdonald Igbadiwei Esq., stressing that there were no law and moral implications against people close to Tompolo contesting an election, hence "dragging Tompolo on the INC matter, is unnecessary and childish."

The IPDI in a statement on Thursday released by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, alleged that the accusations, which were contained in a recent press release by the faceless and non-existent Niger Delta Reformed Youths, were a deliberate attempt to discredit a legitimate electoral process and incite division among Ijaw people.

Recall that High Chief Igbadiwei was inaugurated as the INC President on May 14, 2026, following a handover ceremony from the outgoing President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, in Warri, Delta State.

"Even the devil will support people who are close to him contesting for elections or looking for a position in the government. So it is not a crime that Tompolo is supporting people who are close to him to achieve their dreams," the IPDI noted.

Speaking further they said, "It is worth noting that Tompolo for the interest of peace and respect for constituted authority, leaves his country home in Oporoza, Delta State, and travelled to Bayelsa Government House to see Governor Douye Diri to address various concerns arising from the INC election. But the self-styled governor general of the Ijaw Nation disrespected him and went ahead to make obnoxious and unfounded orders. This is very unfortunate, as it does not tell well about his acclaimed leadership in Ijaw Nation.

"However, Senator Diri should be guided by wisdom and experience; he should know that issues always arise from any electoral process, both in the developed countries and underdeveloped countries. For example, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu election in 2023, His (Diri) governorship election in 2023 in Bayelsa State, the governorship election of Delta State and others, we all know what transpired. When such issues arise people sit and resolve them. Douye is an interested party in the INC election, hence he is behaving funny," the IPDI emphasised.

On the role of traditional rulers, the group said that they have an Advisory role to play in INC, and it is not a crime and no moral implications if someone refuses to accept another's advice. 

"The traditional rulers again are not the law court, they lack power to make a standing order. It should be made clear that even at the time the INC elections were conducted there was no subsisting restraining court order. So Diri should stop this self-promoting fight. Assuming his candidate won there wouldn't be the governor saying this or that. It was played out in the Warri INC inauguration, the same CITRE the governor is alleged to have been angry over the election outcome, massively attended the event. So who is fooling who? So, he should be guided about how he goes about the INC issues," the group asserted.

“The INC conducted its election in line with its constitution and under the supervision of its electoral committee. The electronic process was adopted, it was free, fair, credible and peaceful. The outcome reflects the will of delegates across Ijaw land. To label it a ‘sham’ without presenting evidence is reckless and dishonorable,” Ozobo stated.

The IPDI rejected claims that Igbadiwei abandoned his role as a former member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, stressing that he tried his best to represent his people; while acknowledging that while no human is perfect, his (Igbadiwei's) defeat in a subsequent election did not amount to betrayal.

“Losing an election is part of democratic practice. To weaponize that against his character is a distortion of political reality and misrepresentation of facts,” Ozobo said.

On traditional affairs in the Gbaraun Kingdom, IPDI said chieftaincy matters are governed by the customs of the respective kingdom and the laws of Bayelsa State. The group therefore warned mischief makers to allow the gods to speak for themselves.

“The IPDI urges the public to disregard claims that seek to drag chieftaincy disputes into partisan politics. Such matters are handled by traditional councils and relevant state authorities, not by press statements,” the statement reads.

Ozobo urged Ijaw leaders, youths and stakeholders to reject inflammatory language from enemies of the Ijaw Nation and focus on the unity and development of the Ijaw nation. He said the INC under Igbadiwei’s leadership had an opportunity to advance advocacy on environmental justice, resource control, and youth empowerment.

“The Ijaw Nation cannot afford to be distracted by personal attacks, interest and unsubstantiated allegations. The IPDI stands with a united INC and calls on all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to support the new leadership for the good of our people,” he added.

The IPDI said it would continue to monitor developments and engage stakeholders to ensure peace and stability within the Ijaw socio-cultural space.

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