The Lovers of Ijaw Nation Organization (LINO) has congratulated the newly elected leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), while commending High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for what it described as his wise and peaceful role throughout the leadership process.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of LINO, General Ditari; Vice President, Minjiye Joseph Sukubo; and National Secretary, Botu Pius Ogusuware, the group stressed the need for inclusiveness and unity among all Ijaw people across the country.
LINO expressed concern over what it described as a long-standing belief that the Ijaw Nation revolves solely around Bayelsa State, noting that Bayelsa accounts for less than one-third of the total Ijaw population.
The organization also criticized past attempts to impose the Kolokuma dialect as the central dialect for all Ijaws, insisting that such sensitive decisions should only emerge through broad consultations and collective agreement among all sections of the Ijaw Nation.
According to the group, the Ijaw people had long existed and flourished across several regions even before the creation of Bayelsa State, emphasizing that no single state should claim ownership of the entire ethnic nationality.
LINO reaffirmed its recognition of the leadership elected through the INC process, maintaining that the Ijaw National Congress remains the umbrella body representing the collective interests of the Ijaw people.
The group further stated that the Bayelsa State Government governs only Bayelsa State and not the entire Ijaw Nation, adding that the Ijaw Nation cannot be left without leadership to satisfy political interests or the desires of a few individuals.
Reiterating its commitment to the unity and progress of the Ijaw people, the organization declared: “Ijaw: Our Past, Present, and Future.”
The statement was signed by General Ditari from the Central Zone (Bayelsa/Ahoada West), Minjiye Joseph Sukubo from the Eastern Zone (Rivers/Akwa Ibom Ijaws), and Botu Pius Ogusuware from the Western Zone (Ondo, Edo, Delta Ijaws).
