Ijaw

A US-based Ijaw scholar has called for a strategic rethink of governance structures across the Ijaw nation, warning that over-reliance on a single institutional authority could undermine accountability and long-term development.

In a candid reflection on recent developments, Prof. Mondy Selle Gold urged the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to embrace what he described as “institutional plurality”, the coexistence of multiple credible organisations to strengthen governance, representation and transparency within the Ijaw socio-political space.

The Council of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) has defended its decision to suspend elections into executive positions of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), insisting the move is in line with the organisation’s constitution.

In a statement issued on Saturday and titled, “On Constitutional Process and the INC Electoral Timeline,” the Chairman of CITRE, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, said the suspension was necessary to uphold due process.

Ijaw elders from the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) have passed a vote of confidence on three principal officers of the National Representative Council (NRC), endorsing their aspirations in the forthcoming national executive elections.

The NRC, the legislative arm of the INC, serves as a check on the National Executive Committee.

In a statement issued over the weekend following a well-attended interactive session, the elders commended the performance of His Royal Highness, Dr Anyanate Kio, Leader of the House; Princess Joyce Adesola Ebiseni, Deputy Leader; and Elder Gabriel Pinssidor Benamaisia, Clerk of the House. All three are seeking election into the national executive offices of the Congress.