ASABA/Nigeria: The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, has congratulated Chief Macdonald Igbadiwei on his emergence as the new President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing his election as timely and well-deserved.
Guwor, a proud Ijaw son, also extended warm felicitations to members of the newly elected National Executive Committee of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, following their emergence on Monday, April 13, 2026, expressing confidence in their capacity to reposition the body for greater impact.
In a statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker described Chief Igbadiwei as an accomplished administrator and committed advocate of the Ijaw cause, whose experience and temperament are needed at this critical time in the history of the Ijaw nation.
Speaking on behalf of his family, the people of Warri South West, and the Delta State House of Assembly, Guwor said the emergence of Igbadiwei reflected the trust and confidence reposed in him by Ijaw stakeholders across the country.
“I equally salute the entire new Executive Committee. Your mandate comes with the weight of history and the hopes of millions of Ijaw people across Nigeria and in the diaspora,” he said.
The Speaker charged the new leadership of the INC to embrace unity, peace, and purposeful engagement as guiding principles, stressing that the aspirations of the Ijaw nation can only be achieved through cohesion and strategic collaboration.
“The Ijaw struggle has always been about justice, equity, and development. Today, our greatest weapon must be unity of purpose. I urge the new INC to rally all Ijaw clans, kingdoms, and interest groups, close ranks with our political leaders, governors, and members of the National Assembly, and speak with one voice on matters affecting our people,” Guwor stated.
He further urged the Igbadiwei-led executive to prioritise environmental protection in the Niger Delta and sustain advocacy for resource justice, while fostering stronger partnerships with other ethnic nationalities, states, and the Federal Government.
“Let the INC under your watch build bridges, not walls. Engage robustly, but constructively. Defend our heritage, but also champion education, enterprise, and innovation among our young people. That is the path to a prosperous Ijaw nation,” he added.
Guwor also prayed for wisdom, strength, and a successful tenure for the new INC leadership, assuring them of the support and solidarity of the Delta State House of Assembly.
“May your tenure renew hope, restore dignity, and deliver tangible progress for the Ijaw nation. The Ijaw people are looking up to you. You have our prayers and our support,” the Speaker stressed.
