By IJEOMA POPOOLA

The Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw people, has set up an ad-hoc mediation committee to address lingering disputes among some ex-agitators, businessmen and politicians of Ijaw tribe.

This is contained in a statement signed by the INC Publicity Secretary, Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

The organisation said the committee would also mediate disputes among other Ijaw people.

It said the aim was to promote peace and unity among Ijaw people.

“Worried by the increasing spate of disagreement among some prominent Ijaw ex-agitators, businessmen and politicians, the president has directed me to announce the composition of a seven-man ad-hoc mediation committee.

“Their terms of reference shall include reaching out to all aggrieved parties with a view to resolving their differences amicably.

“With this development, rather than resort to abusing, pulling down and/or castigating a fellow Ijaw son or daughter, we should direct or channel grievances to this committee or any other indigenous internal dispute platform for amicable settlement,” INC said.

NAN reports that the committee is headed by AIG Okoro Julius Alawari, while a Traditional Ruler, Iraron Obolo, is the Vice-Chairman, and Prof. Juliet Teibowei serves as the Secretary.

Messrs Regent Youmor, Bomo Fetepigi Obhe and Roberts Reginald are members as well as Mrs Adesola Ebiseni.

NAN also reports that INC is headed by Prof. Benjamin Okaba. (NAN)