The Lovers of Ijaw Nation Organization (LINO) congratulates the newly elected leaders of the Ijaw National Congress and praises High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) for his wise and peaceful steps during the process.
For a long time, LINO has raised concerns that the leadership in Bayelsa State often acts as if the Ijaw Nation begins and ends in Bayelsa alone. It is important to remember that Bayelsa represents less than one-third of the total Ijaw population.
This same mindset was seen in attempts to force the Kolokuma dialect as the central dialect for all Ijaws. LINO believes such decisions should follow the proper example used by other ethnic groups, through broad agreement and respect for all sections of the Ijaw Nation.
Before the creation of Bayelsa State, Ijaw people already existed and flourished across many regions.
LINO recognizes the leadership already elected by Ijaw people through the INC process.
The government of Bayelsa State governs Bayelsa State, not the entire Ijaw Nation.
The Ijaw National Congress remains the umbrella body of the Ijaw people, and the nation cannot continue without leadership simply to satisfy political interests or any group of individuals.
Ijaw: Our Past, Present, and Future.
Signed:
@General Ditari
President, Lovers of Ijaw Nation Organization (LINO)
From Central Zone
(Bayelsa, Ahoada West)
Minjiye Joseph Sukubo
Vice President, LINO
From Eastern Zone
(Rivers, Akwa-Ibom Ijaws)
Botu Pius Ogusuware
National Secretary, LINO
From Western Zone
(Ondo, Edo, Delta Ijaws).
