INC Election: Yanga Seeks Unity, Strategic Shift For Ijaw Nation

A presidential candidate of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Rear Admiral Woyengidinikpete Geoffrey-Yanga (retd.), has called for unity among Ijaw people and a more strategic approach to advancing the nation’s interests, as the INC election process continues.

He also stressed the need for fairness and respect for due process, warning that ignoring the constitution would be like “building a house on shifting sand.”

Yanga, who stated this yesterday in Yenagoa, described the pause in the INC election as a “temporary ceasefire” and urged his supporters to use the time to reorganise and prepare for the next phase.

He said his mission is to move the INC “from struggle to strategy,” stressing the need for more coordinated and strategic efforts in pursuing the political, economic and cultural interests of the Ijaw people.

Yanga further noted that his goal is to reposition the Ijaw nation to take its rightful place among influential groups in Nigeria and beyond and assured that he would provide effective leadership and bring development to Ijaw communities if elected.

Reflecting on his upbringing in Sabagreia Community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, he said growing up without basic amenities shaped his desire to improve the living conditions of his people.

He called on Ijaw communities to work together when engaging government and oil companies to attract development projects and improve infrastructure.

Yanga also noted the history of the Ijaw people in resisting marginalisation, stressing the need for strict adherence to the INC constitution to ensure fairness and legitimacy.

“I therefore call for stronger unity among Ijaw communities and the revitalisation of the organisation’s structures at clan and community levels to make it more visible and effective.

“Greater awareness, planning and cooperation would be key to achieving self-determination and sustainable development, particularly in the area of resource control in the Niger Delta,” he said.