Former Vice Chairman Akpodubakaye Congratulates Igbadiwei on INC Victory, Calls for Unity
By Ezekiel Kagbala
The immediate past Vice Chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, has congratulated MacDonald Igbadiwei on his victory in the just-concluded presidential election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
Igbadiwei emerged as President following a keenly contested election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where delegates from across Ijaw-speaking communities participated in the exercise.
In a congratulatory message personally signed and made available to journalists on Monday in Warri, Delta State, Akpodubakaye, who is the Uwangwe of Isaba Kingdom, described Igbadiwei’s emergence as “well deserved” and reflective of his widespread acceptance among the Ijaw people.
He noted that the outcome of the election underscored the confidence reposed in Igbadiwei’s leadership capacity and urged other contestants and their supporters to close ranks and back the new leadership in the interest of unity and progress.
According to him, “I celebrate my brother and friend, High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei, an exemplary personality whose victory demonstrates that he is truly a man of the people and enjoys broad acceptance across the Ijaw nation.”
Akpodubakaye further stressed that the post-election period should be one of reconciliation and collective effort, emphasising that “no one is more Ijaw than the other.”
He called on the new INC President to be magnanimous in victory and prioritise inclusive leadership, noting that expectations are high for the advancement of the Ijaw nation.
“The elections are over; now is the time for governance, capacity, and tenacity to move the Ijaw nation to greater heights,” he added, while praying for wisdom and strength for the new leader.
FocalPoint Reports gathered that the election attracted delegates from various zones and was conducted under the supervision of an electoral committee, with key stakeholders monitoring proceedings to ensure transparency and credibility.
Despite some logistical and procedural challenges that nearly disrupted the exercise, the process was successfully concluded, culminating in the declaration of Igbadiwei as the duly elected President of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation.
Observers say the peaceful conclusion of the election, along with calls for unity from leaders such as Akpodubakaye, signals a positive path forward for the INC as it navigates critical issues affecting the Ijaw people in the Niger Delta region.
