The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Worldwide, High Chief MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei, Esq., has expressed profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to his leader, brother and mentor, High Chief Government Oweizidei T. Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebiduowei of the Ijaw Nation, for his exceptional support, guidance and invaluable contributions to the success of the 2026 INC election and the reconciliation process that followed.
In a statement personally signed by him, the INC President acknowledged the pivotal role played by High Chief Ekpemupolo during the election and, more importantly, his continued interventions in the aftermath of the electoral process, which significantly contributed to the restoration of peace, understanding, reconciliation and unity among the Ijaw people.
High Chief Igbadiwei described Tompolo as an exemplary son of the Ijaw Nation whose commitment to the peace, dignity, unity and advancement of the Ijaw people transcends personal interests and considerations.
He particularly commended the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for the uncommon love, goodwill, solidarity and unwavering support he has consistently demonstrated towards him, his family, his community and the broader Ijaw Nation.
A JOURNEY OF MENTORSHIP, SACRIFICE AND TRANSFORMATION
The INC President also acknowledged the profound influence of Tompolo, his family and brothers in his personal journey and emergence as a leader. He expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices, encouragement, counsel, mentorship and goodwill extended to him over the years, stressing that these contributions played a significant role in shaping his journey from humble beginnings to his present position of responsibility.
According to High Chief Igbadiwei, his journey from “grass to grace” cannot be narrated without acknowledging the remarkable influence and support of Tompolo and those around him.
He noted that the confidence, affection and encouragement he received over the years remain deeply cherished and constitute an important part of his leadership journey.
BEYOND POLITICS: A SHARED COMMITMENT TO THE IJAW CAUSE
High Chief Igbadiwei further emphasized that his relationship with Tompolo goes far beyond politics, elections and leadership positions, describing it as a profound journey rooted in mentorship, cultural consciousness, spirituality, communal responsibility and service to the Ijaw people.
The INC President proudly affirmed his commitment to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Ijaw Nation, noting that the values of courage, respect for tradition, communal responsibility, unity and selfless service have continued to shape his understanding of leadership and deepen his commitment to the Ijaw cause.
He described Tompolo’s leadership, courage, generosity and humanitarian disposition as qualities that have positively influenced countless individuals, communities and institutions across the Ijaw Nation.
High Chief Igbadiwei observed that the Ijaw people are indeed blessed to have a distinguished “man-child” whose character, resilience, courage and commitment aptly embody the profound significance associated with the name Oweizidei.
CHAMPIONING PEACE AND IJAW UNITY
The INC President commended Tompolo for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that the Ijaw Nation remains united, peaceful and focused on a common destiny.
He noted that Tompolo has consistently demonstrated that genuine leadership is not measured merely by influence, authority or position, but by the wisdom, courage and willingness to deploy such influence in the service of peace, reconciliation and the collective wellbeing of the people.
High Chief Igbadiwei stated that the reconciliation achieved following the 2026 INC election represents an important step towards healing old wounds, rebuilding trust and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among the Ijaw people.
He therefore assured Tompolo that his administration remains firmly committed to consolidating the gains of the reconciliation process and sustaining the prevailing atmosphere of peace and unity within the Ijaw Nation.
COMMITMENT TO A STRONGER IJAW NATION
The INC President pledged that his administration would continue to work collaboratively with traditional rulers, political leaders, youth and women organisations, community leaders, professionals, religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders towards building a stronger, more united, peaceful and purposeful Ijaw Nation.
He stressed that the responsibilities before the Ijaw people are far greater than individual ambitions, political differences, positions or personal interests.
According to him, the collective aspiration must remain the establishment of an Ijaw Nation where peace, unity, dignity, justice, development, security and prosperity are not merely ideals but shared objectives pursued by all.
High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei reaffirmed his profound respect, loyalty and commitment to working with High Chief Government Oweizidei Ekpemupolo and other Ijaw leaders in advancing the collective interests of the Ijaw people.
PRAYER FOR TOMPOLO
The INC President concluded by offering prayers for continued wisdom, strength, sound health, divine guidance and protection for High Chief Government Oweizidei Ekpemupolo.
He prayed that God Almighty and the ancestral heritage of the Ijaw Nation would continue to strengthen Tompolo, his family and all those committed to the advancement of the Ijaw people.
High Chief Igbadiwei reaffirmed that the path to a prosperous and united Ijaw Nation requires collective responsibility, mutual respect, sacrifice and cooperation among its leaders and people.
He therefore called on all Ijaw sons and daughters to embrace the spirit of reconciliation, brotherhood and unity, stressing that the future of the Ijaw Nation must remain greater than individual differences and interests.
Signed:
INC PRESIDENT–IGBADIWEI MEDIA
