IYC election: Diri’s exemplary leadership role commendable — Kuku

Former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Kingsley Kuku, has hailed the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for resolving the leadership crisis in the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and ensuring a peaceful election transition.

Kuku, a one-time IYC spokesman, said in a press release that the recent rancour-free conduct of the foremost Ijaw ethnic nationality youth organisation’s national election was a defining moment in its history and in the collective journey of the Ijaw nation.

He commended the Bayelsa governor for successfully facilitating the reconciliation process that resulted in differing interests within the organisation sheathing their swords and coming together during the July 11, 2026 election.

The statement reads in part: “I consider it a duty to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State and Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation, whose exemplary leadership, fatherly guidance and unwavering commitment to the unity of the Ijaw people created the enabling environment for this remarkable success.

“Your Excellency, your steadfast belief that the Ijaw nation must always place unity above personal interests was evident throughout the entire process. Through your peaceful disposition, conciliatory approach, inclusive leadership and unwavering support, you inspired confidence among stakeholders and helped foster the atmosphere of mutual trust that culminated in an election accepted by all. 

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“Today, there is no room for division, no factions and no disputation—only one united Ijaw Youth Council, stronger and better positioned to pursue the aspirations of the Ijaw people.

“I equally acknowledge and deeply appreciate your all-encompassing support, including the financial resources you graciously made available to ensure that the electoral process was successfully organised. Your generosity demonstrated not only your commitment to the institutional stability of the IYC but also your abiding faith in the capacity of Ijaw youth to provide purposeful leadership for our nation.”

The former presidential aide equally noted that under Governor Diri’s watch, the IYC experienced one of its most peaceful, credible and widely accepted leadership transitions. 

“This achievement reinforces your enduring reputation as a leader who builds bridges, promotes reconciliation and places the collective interest of the Ijaw nation above every other consideration,” he further stated.

Kuku congratulated all those who participated in the electoral process and urged the newly elected leadership and its members to preserve the “hard-earned unity, eschew divisive tendencies, and work collectively to advance the noble ideals upon which the body was founded. 

“The future of the Ijaw nation will be brighter when our youth remain united, visionary and committed to constructive engagement.”