By Perekeme Odon
The Lagos State Chapter of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the
foremost apolitical umbrella body of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, has
decisively inaugurated a new executive committee to effectively manage its
affairs for the next three years.
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| Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard |
Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard, Deputy President of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and former treasurer of the INC Lagos Chapter, has been elected as the Chairman of the Congress, succeeding Pastor Ebitimi Dio-Posibi. The certificate of return was bestowed upon all the victors at the Red Brick, NCAC National Theatre, Ignamu, Lagos State, on September 28, 2024, in Lagos, the pivotal economic centre of Nigeria.
After the elections on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, the newly inaugurated Chairman of Ijaw National Congress INC, Lagos Chapter, Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard, shared his infectious enthusiasm in his inaugural speech, eloquently expressing his deep sense of pride and connection with his people.
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| Ijaw National Congress Worldwide |
"I am thrilled to be in your presence once again today. I am deeply honoured and filled with great elation, and humbled by the confidence you have placed in me as the leader of this esteemed congress. It is a privilege to share this colourful occasion with all of you, the distinguished sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation. Your support means a lot, and I am excited about the journey ahead as we work together to achieve great things." He stated.
Comrade Harry asserted that the new executive, under his leadership, would actively pursue the acquisition of a suitable secretariat for the organization. He also pledged that the Lagos chapter would focus on empowering its members.
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| High Chief Philip Brown Agu With The New EXCO |
"Securing a suitable location is our top priority, as it is crucial for us to have a strong base. The Lagos chapter of INC is absolutely essential. Our outgoing chairman and our national leader have made it clear that the INC Lagos State chapter is a vital part of the broader INC national or international framework."
"I am fully prepared to serve the Ijaw nation for the next three years, along with my dedicated wife and children. I urge every Ijaw son and daughter to be equally prepared for this service."
Comrade Harry extended heartfelt appreciation to the former chairman and his executive for their unwavering and dedicated leadership, which has led to remarkable advancements in our shared goals. Their achievements speak for themselves. He eagerly pledged to bring his own brand of dynamic leadership to his new role, as he and his team are poised to set a compelling example for others to follow.
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| (l-r) Comrade Tonye Harry, INC Treasurer, High Chief Philip Brown Agu & Pst Ebitimi Dio-Posibi |
"I commend my predecessor and his team for the significant successes achieved during their tenure, providing us with a robust foundation to build."
Harry urged fellow congress members to join forces and support the group in achieving its objectives with a united front, emphasizing that their collective unity is their greatest strength. He called on all aggrieved members to reconcile, stating that unity would propel the INC Lagos Chapter to remarkable success.
“Let's embrace forgiveness for our liberation. Our unity is our strength. Embracing our differences and harnessing our collective energy is crucial for progress. Releasing past grievances and divisive rhetoric is essential for our collective ambition.”
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| High Chief Philip Brown Agu, National Treasurer, INC Worldwide |
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Barrister Patrick G. Egbeotu and witnessed by High Chief Philip Brown Agu, National Treasurer, INC Worldwide, who represented the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba. He commended the outgoing executives led by Pastor Ebitimi Dio-Posibi for their patience and understanding and urged the new executives to approach their responsibilities with utmost seriousness as ambassadors of the Ijaw Nation.
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| Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard |
“Anyone familiar with the history of the INC will agree to the fact that the Lagos chapter is a very notable and important chapter of the INC. The executive members should note very well that they’ve come to serve the Ijaw Nation in this all-important state in Nigeria, which is Lagos State."
The INC treasurer emphasized to the Lagos executives that INC worldwide must no longer be treated as a mere portfolio INC, but as a determined and professional entity. He stressed the importance of financial responsibility, accountability, and certified documentation, given the serious task at hand due to the current unusual situation of the Nigerian economy. He highlighted the unfortunate reality that many families can no longer afford three square meals, and emphasized that it is expected for the Ijaws to be the richest in the Nigerian context, with others coming to borrow from them.
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| Elder Regent Youmou |
"The Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba-led INC is focused on professionalism and functionality, even in the president's absence. Proper documentation and financial responsibility are crucial to avoid issues. Nigeria is facing economic challenges, and the average citizen struggles to afford even a single meal. We, as Ijaw people, should not suffer alongside Nigeria, considering our unique position as oil producers."
The former chairman, Pastor Ebitimi Dio-Posibi, thanked the congress and former executives, and felt honored to have facilitated the birth of new executive members. He commended the members for taking a stand on the zoning process, advised the new chairman to promote unity, and highlighted financial constraints in the Lagos chapter.
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| Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard Displaying His Certificate of Return |
"I want to emphasize that in this election, there are no winners or losers. The new chairman must be inclusive and work with the whole team. Managing everyone effectively will make a difference. Team spirit is crucial. We urge the national to consider giving concessions to the Lagos Chapter due to our financial constraints. INC Worldwide cannot be INC without the Lagos Chapter." He affirmed.
In his address, Elder Regent Youmor, a respected Ijaw comrade, kindly reminded the new executive that they are servants, not leaders, to the Ijaw people in Lagos. He highlighted the need for reconciliation, recognizing the path that led them to this point, and suggested a proactive membership drive to enhance the association's visibility.
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| (l-r) Barr. Patrick G. Agbeotu, Ebi Benson & Pst Ebitimi Dio-Posibi |
"The new INC executives are servants to the Ijaw people of Lagos,
not leaders, and I am delighted to hear you say you and your family are well
prepared for this journey, as are we. We all know how we got here: quarrels,
leg-cuttings, acrimonies, backbiting, and outright fighting. Some of us who are
not INC officers underwent baptisms of fire, and we responded appropriately as
leaders. A leader is a leader for everyone, good or bad. Everybody should be
prepared to serve. Aggressive membership drive from various communities should
also be embarked on with all seriousness.” Comrade Youmor stated.
The newly sworn-in INC Lagos Chapter executives are: Comrade Tonye Leonard Harry, Chairman (Eastern Zone); Matawa Yinkere Harry, Vice Chairman (Western Zone); Elayelagha Golden Ambakederemo, Secretary (Central Zone); Sogules Ere Howell, Assistant Secretary (Eastern Zone); Abraham Gillet Okponimibofa, Financial Secretary (Central Zone); Arepade Odimowei Corson, Treasurer (Western Zone); and Henry Elijah Gabriel, Publicity Secretary (Eastern Zone).
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| Swearing In Of The Chairman & His Executives |
The INC constitution names former chairman Pastor Ebitimi Dio-Posibi as the ex-officio member. Other elected officers are Bodiesere Sarah Jacob, the organising secretary (central zone), Mary Ebinimie Ayakpo, the auditor (central zone), and Paul Tam Kurekure (ESQ), the legal adviser (western zone).
Eleco Chairman, Erepatei Mawari (Esq)
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| (l-r) Barr. Patrick G. Agbeotu, Ebi Benson & Pst Ebitimi Dio-Posibi |
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| Abraham Gillet Okponimibofa, Financial Secretary |
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| Comrade Elayelagha Golden Ambakederemo, Secretary |
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| Elder Regent Youmor & Guests |
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| (l-r) Golden Ambakederem, Barr Egbeotu, Comrade Tonye, Mary Ayakpo & Okponimibofa |
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| Mary Ineye & Friends |
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| (l-r) Elder Regent Youmor, INC Treasurer, High Chief Philip Brown Agu & Pst Ebitimi Dio-Posibi |
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| Comrade Matawa Yinkere Harry, Vice Chairman |
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| Comrade Toikumo & Comrade Sunday |
