By Kingsley Otuaro Media Team
The Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State and immediate past Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Esq. has congratulated Hon. Chief Macdonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as the new President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing his victory as a defining moment for the Ijaw nation.
Igbadiwei secured a decisive mandate with 317 votes, a development Kingsley Otuaro said signals the dawn of a new era of purposeful leadership and cultural reawakening for the Ijaw people spread across the Niger Delta and beyond.
In a congratulatory message, Kingsley Otuaro described the newly elected INC President as “a luminary forged from the hallowed soil of Ijaw ancestors,” noting that his emergence reflects the collective aspiration of the people for a leader deeply rooted in their history, struggles, and future ambitions.
According to the former deputy governor, Igbadiwei represents a rare blend of intellect, cultural consciousness, and nationalist fervour required to reposition the Ijaw nation at a critical time in its history.
The Delta State PDP leader extolled Igbadiwei’s pedigree as a former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, an accomplished orator, and a seasoned participant in the affairs of the INC since its formative years, adding that his vast knowledge of the socio-political realities of Ijaw communities across multiple states places him in good stead to lead.
“In him, we see not just a leader, but a custodian of our collective memory — a man who understands where we are coming from, the challenges we face today, and the path we must chart for the future,” Otuaro stated.
He further described Igbadiwei as a passionate advocate of the Ijaw cause whose deep understanding of the peculiar issues affecting Ijaw communities across over 30 local government areas in six states of the federation would be instrumental in fostering unity and development.
Drawing on cultural symbolism, Kingsley Otuaro likened the new INC President to revered figures of strength and justice, noting that his leadership embodies courage, wisdom, and fairness, qualities he said are essential for navigating the complexities confronting the Ijaw nation.
He emphasized that Igbadiwei’s emergence comes at a time when the Ijaw people require visionary leadership capable of confronting systemic challenges and redefining their place within Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
Kingsley Otuaro also noted that the new INC helmsman’s intellectual depth, eloquence, and philosophical outlook on governance would strengthen the Congress and enhance its advocacy for equity, justice, and sustainable development in Ijawland.
He also extended his congratulations to other newly elected members of the INC Executive Council, urging them to work collaboratively with the President to advance the collective interests of the Ijaw people. He stressed that teamwork, unity of purpose, and inclusive leadership would be critical to the success of the new administration.
While urging the new leadership to remain steadfast, the PDP leader expressed confidence that Igbadiwei and his team would build on the legacy of the founding fathers of the INC and work towards unifying the Ijaw nation.
He called on Ijaw sons and daughters to rally behind the new leadership, stressing that collective support and shared commitment are crucial to achieving meaningful progress.
“With this mandate, the Ijaw nation stands on the threshold of a new chapter. There is renewed hope that under this leadership, our collective dreams will find expression and our struggles will be transformed into lasting victories,” Kingsley Otuaro added.
Observers say Igbadiwei’s emergence has generated optimism among stakeholders, who view the new executive as a potential catalyst for renewed advocacy, cultural renaissance, and socio-political advancement for the Ijaw people.