JUST IN: Gov Diri Urges Ijaw Nation to Sustain Demand for More States

By Joseph Bienbo, Yenagoa

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Ijaw ethnic nationality and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to continue agitating for the creation of more states, specifically the two additional states originally demanded by the ethnic group.

Speaking at the 2026 INC national convention in Yenagoa, Governor Diri emphasized that the struggle for state creation is far from over, stating, “So, it is not yet uhuru. This is a struggle we must continue and if we cannot achieve it in our time, we will hand it over to our children.”

Diri also clarified that he has no preferred candidate among the five contestants vying for the INC presidency, stressing that the major task ahead is the overriding interest of the ethnic nationality rather than personal considerations.

The governor reiterated his advocacy for true federalism, suggesting that states should control 100% of their resources and pay tax to the federal government.

Outgoing INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, called for strategic global engagement in the Ijaw struggle, highlighting the ethnic nationality’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy despite facing environmental degradation and infrastructure neglect.

The convention featured prominent dignitaries, including former Bayelsa deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and many others.