INC leadership crisis deepens as Ijaw monarchs disown election

• Reconciliation C’tte begins sitting on Monday

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The leadership crisis rocking the apex organisation of the Ijaw nation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has deepened with the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) disowning the April 13 National Executive Committee elections held at Ijaw House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

 Three presidential candidates had boycotted the election pending the resolution of all petitions submitted to CITRE. 

 CITRE, which, according to the INC Constitution, functions as the Supreme Court, is the umbrella body that comprises all First-Class traditional Rulers of Ijaw land, former Presidents of Ijaw origin, former governors and their deputies of Ijaw origin, retired military generals of Ijaw origin, and other eminent personalities.

 The Chairman of CITRE, who doubles as the Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, the Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, in a press conference addressed in his office over the weekend, declared that in the eyes of Ijaw traditional rulers and elders, there was no election on April 13.

 King Dakolo, who punctured claims that CITRE’s role was only advisory, explained that, as the body that appoints the electoral panel, it is also responsible for investigating and resolving all pre- and post-election disputes arising from elections. 

 The monarch, who frowned at the flagrant flouting of the directive that suspended the election, maintained that CITRE would not be part of any illegality and would ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions in the interest of the Ijaw nation.

 ‘’As far as CITRE is concerned, there was no election on April 13 because the appointor had already instructed that everything be frozen, and that is the position. And if someone parades himself as President of INC, that is his cup of coffee, but I am thinking that is not a worse thing to do. CITRE has already made its point clear that if anyone goes ahead to conduct the elections, it will be an effort in futility. Ijaw Nation and INC owe CITRE that due respect.

 CITRE is not about me. I am a King, and there are other Kings and eminent citizens of the Ijaw nation that are part of CITRE. And so CITRE has spoken,’’ he said.  

 King Dakolo disclosed that the seven-man committee earlier appointed by CITRE will have its inaugural meeting on Monday, April 20, and commence the investigation of all petitions.

According to him, CITRE is not interested in who becomes the INC President, but wants an election that is devoid of illegalities to usher in a President.

‘’ The seven-man committee will have its inaugural meeting on Monday to commence work. We shall respond to all the issues and make sure that a credible and popular election is held instead of one that will bring acrimony, divisions, and factions.

 We will conduct elections that will bring about peace so that those who abstained before and all will participate.’’