“No Room for Division”: Sen. Seriake Dickson Rallies Ijaw Nation Behind New INC President
(By The Political Razzmatazz Editorial Team | Regional Politics & Leadership)
The Ijaw Nation is not just a tribe; it is an institution, an identity, and a formidable political bloc within the Nigerian Federation. But like any massive political structure, leadership transitions can often bring intense internal friction.
Following a highly contested election for the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson—the former two-term Governor of Bayelsa State and current Senator representing Bayelsa West—has stepped in to demand immediate unity.
Over the weekend, Senator Dickson formally received the newly elected INC President, Honourable High Chief McDonald Ebi Igbadiwe, at his Abuja residence. His message during the visit was clear: the election is over, and the collective survival of the Ijaw people must now take precedence over individual political egos.
The Path to Reconciliation
Senator Dickson acknowledged that he has closely followed the complexities and tensions surrounding the recent INC elections. However, he commended the Bayelsa State Governor, Ijaw elders, and leaders for establishing a high-powered reconciliation committee to mediate the disputes.
“My expectation is that the recommendations of the committee will be implemented without delay so that lasting reconciliation, harmony, and unity can return to the INC.” — Senator Seriake Dickson
Drawing from his extensive experience managing Ijaw leadership affairs, Dickson called on all well-meaning stakeholders to support the reconciliation efforts, emphasizing that dialogue and sacrifice are the only sustainable paths forward.
Protecting the Seat of the Governor
In a profound display of statesmanship, Senator Dickson issued a stern warning against any attempts to undermine the leadership role of the Bayelsa State Government in Ijaw affairs—regardless of who occupies the seat or their political affiliation.
He advised stakeholders that their role is to provide counsel and support to the Governor, not to counteract his position in giving direction to the Ijaw agenda. “Whether one agrees with every decision or not is a different matter; what is important is that our collective interest must always prevail,” he stressed.
The Architect of the “Jerusalem of the Ijaw Nation”
Senator Dickson’s passion for Ijaw unity is deeply rooted in his own legacy. It was during his inaugural address as Governor that he officially christened what was previously known as the “Ijaw Ethnic Group” as the “Ijaw Nation” and designated Bayelsa State as its “Jerusalem.”
For eight years, his administration built enduring institutions to preserve Ijaw identity, including:
- The Ministry of Ijaw National Affairs
- The Ijaw Heroes Memorial Park
- The flagship Ijaw National Academy
- The Ijaw Language and History Projects
- The Bayelsa State Coat of Arms, Flag, and Anthem
He reminded the delegation that the very survival and capacity of the Ijaw people were central to his fierce, hard-fought battle to ensure his successor—the current governor—was a product of the Ijaw movement capable of continuing the agenda.
Moving Forward
Expressing his confidence in Hon. McDonald Ebi Igbadiwe, whom he has known for years and who previously served in his government, Senator Dickson urged the new president to provide purposeful leadership. He also extended his respect to the other eminent Ijaw leaders who contested the presidency, acknowledging their capacity but firmly stating that “the contest should be brought to an end no matter its imperfections, so we can focus on bigger challenges.”
Over to You
The strength of the Niger Delta lies in the unity of its major ethnic nationalities.
Do you believe the new INC leadership under Hon. Igbadiwe can unite all factions and present a stronger Ijaw voice ahead of 2027? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
