Elections into INC null and void, says Ijaw traditional rulers, elders

BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, has insisted that no valid election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was conducted on April 13 .

Dakolo said on Friday that any purported exercise held on that date contravened laid-down procedures.

Speaking during a press briefing, Dakolo who is also the chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, said CITRE had earlier directed that the election be suspended pending the resolution of disputes.

He explained that the decision followed consultations, including a meeting convened by the state government, where key stakeholders agreed that proceeding with the election would heighten tensions.

He said: “At the end of the discussion, robust consultations, the resolution was that at this stage, there should be no INC elections, there should be none.

“And President Okaba on his own countered the resolution it because he didn’t want it to, he is bent on having an election.”

The traditional ruler maintained that despite the directive, some individuals went ahead with the process, which he described as unconstitutional and invalid, adding that CITRE was not officially informed of any rescheduled timetable.

He said: “So what am I saying? No elections on the 13th. As we are speaking, no elections on the 13th. If you check this in my file, nothing has been written to me. Nothing.”

Dakolo also dismissed claims that CITRE’s role is limited to post-election disputes, clarifying that the body is empowered by the INC constitution to intervene in all electoral-related matters.

According to him, “Settle disputes arising from elections. There is no post here. So if someone is saying that it is only post, then the person is deceiving you.”

Responding to questions on the legality of the exercise and claims by some individuals who claim to be winners, Dakolo said such actions amount to “efforts in futility” and warned that those involved risk consequences for disregarding constituted authority.

He said: “Well, as far as CITRE is concerned, there was no election on the 13th of March because their appointor had already instructed that freeze everything. If someone parades himself that way, well, that is his cup of coffee, but I’m thinking that it may not be a wise thing to do.”

Dakolo further disclosed that a settlement committee set up by CITRE would commence sittings to address all grievances and ensure a credible electoral process going forward.

He added: “The Settlement Committee will have its inaugural meeting on Monday.

“We shall respond to all issues and ensure that a credible and popular election is held.”