By Abdullah Abdulrahman, Yenagoa
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has formally endorsed T. K. Ogoriba for the position of President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) ahead of the congress’ presidential election scheduled to hold tomorrow in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
In a statement issued on Friday by the national spokesman of MOSIEND, Comrade Charles Omusuku, the group described Ogoriba as a tested and dependable leader whose longstanding commitment to the Ijaw struggle has earned him the trust and admiration of many stakeholders across the Niger Delta region.
The organization noted that Ogoriba has for decades remained at the forefront of advocacy for the rights, dignity, and development of the Ijaw people, consistently speaking out on issues affecting the socio-political and economic well-being of the ethnic nationality.
According to MOSIEND, Ogoriba’s involvement in the struggle for the emancipation and advancement of the Ijaw nation has been marked by courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the collective interest of the people.
The group further emphasized that throughout his years of activism and public engagement, Ogoriba has played a key role in championing justice, resource equity, and inclusive leadership within Ijaw socio-cultural and political structures.
Omusuku, in the statement, said Ogoriba’s vast experience within Ijaw institutions and grassroots networks makes him uniquely positioned to provide the kind of leadership required to strengthen the INC and reposition it as a more effective voice for the Ijaw nation.
The organization added that Ogoriba has demonstrated a deep understanding of the historical struggles of the Ijaw people and has consistently worked to promote unity among the various clans and communities that make up the ethnic nationality.
Omusuku also highlighted Ogoriba’s numerous contributions toward mobilizing Ijaw people and community leaders to remain committed to peaceful advocacy, dialogue, and strategic engagement in pursuit of the region’s development.
According to the statement, MOSIEND believes that under Ogoriba’s leadership, the INC will witness renewed energy and direction in addressing critical issues affecting Ijaw communities across the Niger Delta.
The group expressed confidence that Ogoriba possesses the vision and capacity to build stronger institutions within the INC while ensuring that the organization remains a credible platform for defending the interests of the Ijaw people.
MOSIEND also used the opportunity to warn against the adoption of any voting system which could make the election vulnerable to manipulation or undermine the integrity of the process and create unnecessary tensions among delegates and stakeholders.
It therefore urged the electoral committee to ensure that the election process remains transparent, fair, and acceptable to all contestants, noting that the credibility of the outcome is essential for maintaining unity within the Ijaw nation.
MOSIEND further called on delegates participating in the election to vote according to their conscience and in the overall interest of the Ijaw people, stressing that the future direction of the INC depends largely on the quality of leadership that emerges from the exercise.
