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 the Ijaw tribe.

This is contained in a statement by the INC publicity secretary, Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, on Sunday.

The organisation said the committee would also mediate disputes among other Ijaw people. It said the aim was to promote peace and unity among the 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.

The committee is headed by AIG Okoro Alawari, with a traditional ruler, Iraron Obolo, as vice-chairman, and Juliet Teibowei as secretary.

Regent Youmor, Bomo Fetepigi Obhe, Roberts Reginald, and Adesola Ebiseni are members.

INC is headed by Benjamin Okaba.

(NAN)