A prominent Ijaw stakeholder, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has called on elders, leaders, and critical stakeholders of the Ijaw Nation to embrace unity and inclusiveness in resolving the lingering challenges within the Ijaw National Congress (INC), warning that internal divisions could weaken the apex socio-cultural organisation at a time when the Ijaw people are facing significant political and developmental challenges.

In a statement issued on Friday, Ikuli urged Ijaw leaders to draw lessons from the recent reconciliation process that culminated in a successful national convention of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, describing it as a model of unity, sincerity, and inclusive leadership that the INC should emulate.

According to him, the elders and leaders of the IYC first acknowledged the existence of divisions within the organisation instead of ignoring them, before bringing all stakeholders together without discrimination, intimidation, or exclusion.

He commended the reconciliation efforts led by High Chief (Barr.) Dr. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, noting that the strategy created a sense of belonging for every stakeholder and ensured that no individual or group was treated as insignificant.

Ikuli said the approach, which he described as similar to the reconciliation model successfully adopted in Lagos in 2013, helped de-escalate tensions and paved the way for one of the most peaceful and successful IYC national conventions since the council's establishment in 1998.

He also praised Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, Barr. Oweilaemi Roland Pereotubo, Barr. Eric Omare, Dr. Alaye Theophilus, and other stakeholders for placing the collective interest of the Ijaw Nation above personal ambitions throughout the reconciliation process.

The stakeholder warned against introducing what he described as "politics of conquest," compensatory politics, and patronage into the affairs of the INC, stressing that the organisation had always thrived on teamwork rather than the influence of a few individuals.

He recalled that successive IYC and INC administrations gained prominence through the collective contributions of dedicated leaders and spokespersons, including Barr. Oronto N. Douglas, Dr. Isaac Osuoka, Barr. Kingsley Kemebradigha Kuku, Dr. Chris Ekio, Elder Joseph Eva, and Prof. Kimse Okoko, whose efforts strengthened the voice and visibility of the Ijaw struggle.

Expressing concern over what he described as growing threats confronting the Ijaw Nation, Ikuli said the INC must remain strong, united, and capable of articulating the interests of the Ijaw people on national issues.

He cited the alleged exclusion of Bayelsa State from recently awarded federal road projects despite the state's strategic contribution to Nigeria's oil and gas resources, describing the development as unacceptable and another reminder of the need for a vibrant and united Ijaw leadership.

Ikuli appealed to elders and stakeholders to address all contentious issues within the INC through fairness and justice rather than allowing disagreements to persist, noting that "It will amount to self-deceit for anyone to assume that all is well with the INC or that the contentious issues will simply disappear with time," he stated.

He further commended members of the INC Reconciliation Committee for their sacrifices and expressed confidence that the committee's recommendations would contribute significantly to reforming, strengthening, and repositioning the umbrella body of the Ijaw people.

Reaffirming the Ijaw philosophy that "Izon means Truth," Ikuli urged leaders to remain steadfast in speaking the truth and taking courageous decisions that would preserve the unity, relevance, and future of the Ijaw Nation.