The Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Ambassador Prince Datolu Sukubo, has called for calm, unity, and strategic leadership among the Ijaw people, warning that internal divisions could weaken the collective strength of the ethnic nationality.
Sukubo, in a statement, expressed concern that the Ijaw nation appears to be drifting away from the core values and shared identity that historically positioned it as a strong and influential bloc in Nigeria.
He noted that disagreements over issues such as pipeline surveillance contracts should not be allowed to create disunity among the people, stressing that such matters are secondary to the more urgent need to rebuild trust and strengthen solidarity within the Ijaw nation.
The IYC Eastern Zone leader therefore urged the Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers states, Senator Douye Diri and Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to urgently convene a meeting of Ijaw leaders, elders, and traditional rulers to address the rising tensions and public exchanges among prominent figures within the ethnic group.
According to him, such a meeting would help restore mutual respect, promote dialogue, and prevent further escalation of disagreements involving respected leaders and traditional institutions.
Sukubo emphasized that unity and coordinated leadership are particularly important at a time when major developments are taking place in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He explained that the ongoing divestment of federal government equity in oil assets presents a strategic opportunity for Ijaw states and stakeholders to secure stakes in oil blocks and ensure that communities in the region benefit more directly from the resources extracted from their land.
Describing the moment as critical for the future of the Ijaw nation, Sukubo urged leaders and stakeholders to set aside differences and focus on advancing the collective economic and political interests of the people.
He also warned that the Ijaw nation must remain vigilant against external interests that may seek to exploit internal divisions to gain control over resources belonging to the region.
Sukubo further called on all Ijaw stakeholders to embrace dialogue, unity, and responsible leadership in order to safeguard the future of the ethnic nationality.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port-Harcourt
