Dr Felix Tuodolor Commends IPDI Advocacy For Better Ijaw Nation, As Ozobo Calls For Transparent INC Election, Makes Case For Edo Ijaw Oppression

Dr Felix Tuodolor Commends IPDI Advocacy For Better Ijaw Nation, As Ozobo Calls For Transparent INC Election, Makes Case For Edo Ijaw Oppression

Francis Tayor

Bomadi______ The pioneer President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and former Commissioner for Ijaw Nation Affairs in Bayelsa State, Dr.Felix Tuodolor has commended the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative IPDI, selfless patriotic advocacy for a better ljaw nation, charging the body to continue the struggle and that ljaw nation is seeing their good works.

The ljaw leader also urged IPDI to work with facts, figures and stay independent from political parties, so as to continue the good fight for ljaw nation and protect the image of the organization in the test of time.

Dr Tuodolor made the statement yesterday at Bomadi during a crucial meeting with the leadership of the body stressed that, with the likes of IPDI, there is hope for ljaw nation in the contemporary Nigeria society.

In his words, Tuodolor said; " l thank IPDI for honouring my invitation to brainstorm for better ljaw nation. I appreciate your good works so far in the ljaw struggle. I am seeing all your works. I started this advocacy struggle for ljaw youths, and am happy to see IPDI sustaining the momentum. Don't be deterred for you are fighting a good fight for ljaw nation. But you must work with facts and figures, so as to protect the good reputation your organization has established in the past ten years, Dr Tuodolor stated."

Speaking on Edo Ijaw issue, Dr.Tuodolor said the Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Hon.Henry Seriake Dickson is on top of the matter, stressing that Dickson is working in hand with his Edo state counterpart Hon.Godwin Obaseki in order to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Reacting on the INC election, Tuodolor reiterated that; " the new ELECO will conduct a credible free and fair election. The reason for the indefinite suspension of the election was due to court orders restraining the ELECO from conducting election. As l speak to you now, there are 7 cases before the court surrounding INC election matter. As soon as the reconciliatory committee in which l serve as Secretary settles all pending issues with the aggrieved parties, the ELECO will go ahead with the election, Dr Tuodolor asserted. "

However, on his part, the National President of IPDI, distinguished Comrade Austin Ozobo thank the pioneer IYC President for creating the avenue to discuss ljaw course with the body.

Ozobo decries over the oppression of Edo Ijaw people by governor Obaseki of Edo State and the Oba of Benin. He also commended the governor of Bayelsa State, Hon.Henry Seriake Dickson for his efforts to restore peace between the ljaws and the Oba of Benin.

He further appealed to Dr.Felix Tuodolor to do what is right without fear or favour, in order to ensure a free and fair INC election, the statement adds.