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A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) ON THE 19TH JULY, 2023 AT THE IJAW HOUSE, YENAGOA.
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTION OF IJAW YOUTH COUNCIL (IYC) ON THE 19TH JULY, 2023 AT THE IJAW HOUSE, YENAGOA
Preamble:
As a prelude to the IYC National Elections 2023, the Convention of the Council was held at the Ijaw House on the above date. The Convention was presided and declared open by Dcn. Peter Timothy Igbifa. However, some way into the middle of the Convention, Peter Timothy Igbifa announced a 30 minutes recess. After some hours and several frantic efforts to reach him proven abortive, Congress unanimously reached the conclusion that Peter Timothy Igbifa has absconded for no reason other than his inordinate desires to plague Council into turmoil, empowered the Deputy President of Council Comrade Saviour Olali to take charge of the proceedings of the Convention. The following decisions were then unanimously reached via motions:
1. That the tenure of the 8th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council expires at 11:59pm of the 19th July 2023 and in line with the IYC Constitution and conventional practices of the Council, the Speaker of the Mobile Parliament Rt. Hon. Bob Collins Igetei will take the reins of leadership as acting President of IYC and midwife the ongoing transition.
2. The suspension of the Electoral Committee Chairman Urang Solomon be and is hereby affirmed for deliberately frustrating the IYC transition process as he did to the Eastern Zone when he was nominated by same Peter Timothy Igbifa as Zonal Electoral Committee Chairman of the Eastern Zone of IYC. Congress went further to adopt Comrade Gilpin Okeseisima as the new National Electoral Committee Chairman of the IYC.
3. The Eastern Zone was immediately directed by Congress to nominate a Member to the National Electoral Committee to fill the vacuum of the new Electoral Committee Chairman Comrade Gilpin Okeseisima.
4. Congress affirmed that the date of the Election be and is hereby rescheduled for 22nd and 23rd of July 2023 with the venue to be fixed by the National Electoral Committee.
5. That Peter Timothy Igbifa should not be accorded the privileges of a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council due to the atrocities he consistently committed against Ijaw People and consequently his portrait should never be seen amongst the former Presidents of the Ijaw Youth Council at the Ijaw House Yenagoa or any other Secretariat of the Ijaw Youth Council.
6. The general public should disregard any fake information with regards to any election already conducted to bring in the 9th National Executive Council of IYC as that is the clandestine move of Peter Timothy Igbifa and his few cohorts.
7. Congress unanimously agreed that Peter Timothy Igbifa and his co-travellers in this shameful quest of bringing Council to disrepute be barred indefinitely from participating in Council activities.
8. Congress humbly call on the Commissioners of Police of both Rivers and Bayelsa States to apprehend any one who parades himself as a winner of any IYC elections outside the one to be conducted on the 22nd and 23rd of July 2023.
9. Congress deeply thank the Governor General of Ijaw Nation, His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri for all his sacrifices and fatherly commitments in order to give Council a united and hitch-free election, efforts which Peter Timothy Igbifa had always deliberately laboured to frustrate.
10. Congress also thank the Honourable Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs Bayelsa State, the Special Adviser to the Bayelsa Governor on Ijaw Affairs, Past Presidents of the IYC, Elders and Leaders of the IYC for their numerous sacrifices during this all important transition period of the Council.
11. Congress also recognize and thank the delegates and other members of Council for their enormous sacrifices in order to achieve a smooth transition, while also thanking all the Aspirants for the various offices for their steadfastness and deep faith in the process.
12. Conclusively, Congress wishes everyone safe trip back to their destinations until we reconvene on the 22nd of July 2023.
Signed for and on behalf of Council
1. Comrade Saviour Olali Deputy President IYC
2. Comrade Frank Pukon National Secretary IYC
3. Comrade Obiri Ebilade
National Legal Adviser IYC
4. Rt. Hon. Bob Collins Igetei
Speaker IYC 5th Mobile Parliament
5. Hon. Irene Kaladapa Jumbo
Deputy Speaker IYC 5th Mobile Parliament
6. Prince O. Okenema
Clerk of the IYC 5th Mobile Parliament
7. Comrade Clever Inodu Chairman Central Zone IYC
8. Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete
Chairman Western Zone IYC
9. Comrade Adams Marbo Ogomugo Chairman Abuja Chapter IYC
10. Comrade Tikima Arigban
Chairman IYC Lagos Chapter
By Divine Perezide
WARRI — IduwiniVoice, a prominent Niger Delta media organisation, has congratulated Chief Ambassador Sheriff Mulade (PhD) on his emergence as the National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), following the congress’ national elections held on April 13, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the media outfit, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the organisation described Mulade’s victory as a deserving outcome, reflecting years of dedication to peacebuilding, unity, and development within the Ijaw nation.
Mulade, who also serves as the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), secured the treasurer position in a closely contested election that attracted wide interest across the Niger Delta.
The statement highlighted his reputation as a respected leader and advocate for peace, noting that his emergence comes at a crucial period when the INC requires experienced and forward-thinking leadership to navigate evolving challenges.
IduwiniVoice expressed confidence in Mulade’s ability to manage the financial affairs of the congress effectively, citing his longstanding commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible resource management as key strengths.
According to the organisation, his election represents not just personal success, but a broader endorsement of credible leadership and sustainable development ideals within Ijawland.
The media house further urged the newly elected treasurer to remain committed to service and to leverage his position in advancing the collective interests and welfare of Ijaw communities.
It also called on stakeholders across the region to rally support for the new leadership of the INC, stressing the importance of unity in strengthening the congress and enhancing its role in championing the socio-cultural and political aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Observers have described Mulade’s emergence as a significant development in the affairs of the INC, expressing optimism that the new leadership will steer the organisation towards greater impact and relevance.
IduwiniVoice concluded by extending its best wishes to the new treasurer, expressing hope for a successful and impactful tenure.
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Amatu-1 Community Declares Total Support, Appeals to Tantita for Increased Employment Opportunities
By Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu 1 Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has formally appealed to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to increase employment opportunities for its youths, women, and elders, citing its strategic role as a major host community to critical oil and gas infrastructure.
In a letter dated February 14, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman/CEO of Tantita, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, the community expressed appreciation for the company’s efforts in safeguarding oil facilities and curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta and declared that nobody else could have done the job better.
The letter, signed by community leaders including Chairman Independence Neyin and Secretary Christopher Tuerede, acknowledged that Tantita’s operations have contributed significantly to the protection of the environment and preservation of livelihoods in the region.
However, the community raised concerns over what it described as marginalisation in the allocation of employment slots, despite hosting key oil assets such as the EA/EJA Oil Field and the Dodo River (OML 86 and 88), located within close proximity to the community.
According to the community, a major gas pipeline linking the Tunu Node Flow Station to the EA/EJA Oil Field passes through Amatu 1 territory, a factor they said should ordinarily qualify them as a priority for local employment in pipeline surveillance operations.
The community further noted that at least five newly discovered oil wells exist within its territory, alongside several pipelines, some of which are currently subjects of dispute.
Amatu-1 conmunity, the ancestral headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom and the throne residence of the Grand Pere, HRM Ambassador Dr. Joel Ibane (J), Ogiobo IX, said they feel bad that neighbouring communities had benefitted more from Tantita job allocations.
“It is deeply unfair that while neighbouring communities have received a significant number of job slots, including positions for Generals and Coordinators, Amatu 1 was allocated only 10 slots out of hundreds of capable youths,” the letter stated.
The letter further revealed that youths of the community currently shoulder the responsibility of providing security for the royal palace without remuneration, even as those of other kingdoms nearby enjoy paid positions under the surveillance contract.
While reiterating its peaceful disposition, the community stressed that its appeal was not borne out of agitation but a call for Tompolo’s kind consideration.
“We are not condemning Tantita or anyone. We only seek for a better treatment,” the letter noted, adding that the people of Amatu-1 remain law-abiding and committed to the the President Tinubu and Tantita’s drive for peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.
The community appealed for the employment of at least 400 qualified indigenes—both male and female—into Tantita Security Services, in recognition of its status as a primary host community and royal headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom.
They also called on notable leaders like the Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom and the Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community to support and facilitate the request.
The appeal, observers say, underscores ongoing concerns among host communities in the Niger Delta over favourable distribution of opportunities in oil-related security engagements, even as stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for Tantita’s contract to not only be renewed, but expanded.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The family of the late Mama Ayenuwa Onitsha Iyalagha has extended heartfelt appreciation to individuals and groups who showed support during the burial ceremony of their beloved matriarch.
In a statement signed by Elder Simeon T. O. Iyalagha on behalf of the children and family, the family expressed deep gratitude to their extended families, relatives, community members, quarters, compounds, in-laws, friends, colleagues, well-wishers, and the general public for their overwhelming love, solidarity, and participation throughout the period of mourning.
The statement noted that the outpouring of support received before, during, and after the burial ceremony was both comforting and encouraging to the family in their time of grief.
The family also specially acknowledged the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, for his support and presence accompanied by a large number of family and friends, describing his gesture as deeply appreciated.
They prayed that God would richly bless and reward all those who stood by them, adding that their kindness would not be forgotten.
“We are truly grateful for the show of love and support,” the statement concluded.