Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has alongside leaders of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other stakeholders’ calmed frayed nerves arising from the pipeline surveillance contract awarded by the Federal Government to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo.

Governor Diri also said leaders of the Ijaw nation and other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta have resolved to work together to protect federal government facilities in the region.

The governor stated this at the weekend at the end of a meeting of critical stakeholders of the Ijaw nation led by the INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, in Government House, Yenagoa.

Governor Diri noted that the meeting examined the various issues that threatened the unity of the Ijaw nation following the award of the pipeline surveillance contract to Tompolo’s firm.

He explained that the meeting was held to foster peace and unity within Ijaw land and that all parties agreed to sheathe their swords.

Tompolo, King Ateke Tom and Chief Dokubo Asari had representatives at the meeting.

Senator Diri commended Professor Okaba and others for demonstrating leadership.

At the end of the meeting, the INC issued a communiqué titled: “We are stronger together” and was read by Professor Okaba.

According to the communiqué, a five-man reconciliatory committee was constituted to interface with the various groups and individuals on the pipeline surveillance issue.