By Egbemavoice
The Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE-INC) has temporarily suspended the rescheduled elections into the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), originally scheduled for Monday, April 13, 2026.
The decision was reached after an extensive meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Yenagoa Secretariat of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, where leaders deliberated on ongoing petitions, court cases, and other disputes plaguing the electoral process.
In a press statement signed by HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, N-CITRE-INC, which serves as the appointing authority for the National Electoral Committee (N-ELECO-INC), directed the electoral body to halt all activities until further notice.
“That the elections into the National Executive Council, Ijaw National Congress (NEC-INC) which were rescheduled for Monday, 13th April, 2026 by the National Electoral Committee, Ijaw National Congress (N-ELECO-INC) have been temporarily suspended until N-CITRE directs further after all pending disputes have been settled,” the statement read.0
N-CITRE-INC further emphasised its constitutional power to resolve disputes within the Congress and instructed N-ELECO-INC to cease performing any electoral functions until directed otherwise.
To address the contentious issues, the conference established a 7-member Dispute Resolution Committee chaired by HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV. Other members include HRM King Dr Brigadier General Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (Rtd) JP, Chief Dr Silas Eneyo (Eastern Zone), the Zonal Chairman (Central Zone), Dr. Loveth Ige (Central Zone), HRM Pere Luke Kalanama III, JP, and HRM Dr. Ekiomi Oweigbe John (Gbisa I) (Western Zone).
The committee is tasked with resolving all pending petitions, including those against N-ELECO-INC, to restore peace and fairness in the process.
The statement underscored the Ijaw values of honesty and service, urging all stakeholders to collaborate.
“The Ijaws are known for their honesty, and in the INC, ‘Leadership by Service’ is the guiding principle. Therefore, everyone is urged to work together to achieve peace, equity, justice, and fairness,” it added.
This suspension comes amid previous court interventions and disagreements that had already disrupted earlier election plans, reflecting efforts by traditional rulers and elders to ensure a credible and united INC leadership.
All parties have been called upon to remain calm and support the resolution process for the overall interest of the Ijaw nation.
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