PRESS RELEASE
IJAW WOMEN BACK PROTEST, DEMAND CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER IN INC CRISIS
"Following the disputed Ijaw National Congress elections and the controversial ad hoc committee announcement"
By Engr. Yeigagha Henry. JP
The Ijaw Women of conscience, across the homeland and in the diaspora, have formally thrown their weight behind the ongoing protest arising from the recent leadership crisis within the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing the situation as a critical test of institutional integrity and constitutional order.
In a strongly worded statement issued under the leadership of Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, the women declared that their position is not merely emotional but rooted in principle, legality, and the long-standing struggle for justice within the Ijaw Nation.
They expressed deep concern over the announcement of an “Ad Hoc Committee” reportedly constituted on April 13, 2026; the same day as the widely disputed INC national executive elections. According to them, such a move raises fundamental constitutional questions that cannot be ignored.
The women queried the legitimacy of the committee, asking pointedly: Who are the aggrieved parties? What specific grievances exist? And under what constitutional authority does the committee operate? They maintained that a committee lacking defined parties, clear disputes, and legal backing amounts to “institutional camouflage” rather than a genuine conflict resolution mechanism.
Reaffirming their stance, the group emphasized that internal dispute resolution within the INC is constitutionally vested in CITRE, not in any ad hoc structure. They warned that attempts to bypass established processes threaten the very foundation of the organization.
On the broader issue, the women insisted that the crisis is fundamentally about legitimacy, not perception. They identified breaches of due process, disregard for constitutional order, and actions that have eroded collective trust as the root causes of the dispute.
They further argued that any electoral outcome arising from a process boycotted by key stakeholders cannot command legitimacy. “Process is the foundation of authority,” the statement noted. “Once subverted, outcomes cannot stand.”
The women also raised concerns about emerging patterns of influence within the Ijaw civic space, cautioning against the re-entry of non-institutional actors into decision-making arenas where they hold no constitutional mandate or accountability.
Drawing from the region’s history, they warned against a return to an era where informal power structures overshadow lawful authority. They stressed that while past contributions to the Niger Delta struggle are acknowledged, they do not confer present-day constitutional authority.
Referencing the painful experiences of instability in the Niger Delta, the group cautioned that the Ijaw Nation cannot afford a regression into disorder driven by undue influence and procedural violations.
In clear terms, the women issued a final warning: any further attempts to distort constitutional processes, impose outcomes, or manipulate institutional frameworks will be met with firm, lawful, and collective resistance.
They reiterated their commitment to defending the integrity of Ijaw institutions, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of influence or historical relevance, is greater than the collective will of the people.
The statement concluded with a firm call for:
• Full accountability
- Strict adherence to the INC Constitution
- Immediate correction of all illegitimate processes
The women declared their unwavering resolve, stating that they will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced until justice is achieved.
“No to illegality. No to imposition. No to institutional distortion.”
With the rallying cry “ASAWANA WANA!”, the Ijaw Women reaffirmed their historic role as custodians of justice, order, and the moral conscience of the Ijaw Nation.
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