“Nigeria’s Economy on Edge as Leadership Crisis Rocks Oil-Producing Ijaw Nation”
By Passman Akpos
Fresh crisis has erupted within the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the rejection of its April 13 National Executive Council (NEC) election by a key presidential contender, Timi-Kaiser Wilhelm Ogoriba.
The controversy stems from allegations that the election was conducted in defiance of directives issued by the National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), widely regarded as the apex decision-making authority within the INC.
Addressing journalists in Yenagoa, Ogoriba, who boycotted the election, described the exercise as “illegal” and a “charade,” insisting that it lacked legitimacy due to unresolved disputes and the failure to heed CITRE’s directive suspending the poll.
According to him, the decision to proceed with the election undermines the authority of CITRE and threatens the constitutional order of the INC. He warned that the organisation risks operating without a valid executive leadership if due process is not followed.
Ogoriba explained that his withdrawal from the race was informed by lingering disagreements over the electoral process, as well as CITRE’s earlier resolution that the election should be put on hold pending the outcome of a seven-man committee established to address the disputes.
He emphasized that CITRE remains the highest constitutional authority within the INC, empowered to resolve internal conflicts and oversee electoral matters.
“For the umpteenth time, I want to state clearly that my decision to opt out was based on the illegality perpetuated by NEC and the electoral committee. There were unresolved disputes before CITRE, and a clear directive that elections should not hold,” he said.
He further noted that the INC, like any human institution, is susceptible to disagreements, but stressed that mechanisms such as CITRE were established within its constitution to ensure order and fairness.
Ogoriba also referenced a reconciliatory meeting held on March 13 at the Bayelsa State Government House, convened by Governor Douye Diri in his capacity as Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation. He said the meeting reaffirmed CITRE’s authority to handle all disputes, including those related to elections.
Despite this, he accused the outgoing NEC and the electoral committee of disregarding both the resolutions of that meeting and CITRE’s constitutional powers by unilaterally rescheduling and conducting the election.
Describing the development as a “display of anomie,” Ogoriba called on Ijaw stakeholders to reject the outcome of the election and rally behind CITRE to ensure a credible and lawful process.
“I call on all Izon patriots to stand behind CITRE and ensure that a proper election is conducted after all disputes have been resolved,” he said.
The unfolding dispute has raised concerns about unity and leadership within the INC, a key socio-political body representing Ijaw interests across the Niger Delta. Observers warn that failure to resolve the crisis could deepen divisions within the organisation and weaken its influence in regional and national affairs.
