Leading voices within the Ijaws nation, including traditional rulers, academics, retired military officers, and activists have called on the Ijaw National Congress (INC) leadership to religiously adhere to the provisions of the INC constitution in the ongoing electoral processes.
They expressed the position on Friday in a joint statement signed by over 30 stakeholders, led by Chief Bukazi Etete, Elder Roland Ekperi, High Chief Amagbe Denzil Kentebe, and Dame Ann Kio Briggs amongst others
The group urged electoral authorities to ensure “every procedural step complies strictly with constitutional provisions.”
They also implored traditional rulers and elder statesmen to act as “guardians of fairness, wisdom, and institutional balance,” while calling on Ijaws worldwide to remain peaceful, vigilant, and unwavering in support of constitutional governance.
The group emphasized that strong nations resolve disagreements through principled institutions, affirming their commitment to transparent elections, INC unity, and the rights of all qualified candidates.
“Our objective is not confrontation, but correction. Not factional victory, but institutional legitimacy,” the group stated.
They however, warned that weakening the INC constitution could diminish the organization’s authority to represent the Ijaw people.
Other notable signatories include Prof. Mondy Sele Gold, Dr. Mrs. Timiebi Koripamo Agary, Rear Admiral Godwin Ayankpele (rtd), Maj. Gen. Paul Alaowei Toun (rtd), and Iniruo Wills.
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The group insisted: “Let the constitution stand. Let the rules be respected. Let justice guide the process.”
The group’s concern is sequel to the disqualification of some candidates for various positions for the 2026 elections slated for March 7 by the electoral committee led by Justis F.F. Tabai.
The electoral committee later reversed it’s earlier exclusion of disqualified candidates.
The reversal sparked tensions within the INC which culminated in an injunction from a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on March 6, restraining the INC from conducting the election pending the determination of a suit by aggrieved parties.
