INC Election Crisis: Western Zonal Chairman Calls for Calm as Reconciliation Efforts Begin
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
The Western Zonal Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Barr. Priye Noel Kuete, has appealed to the Ijaw people to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding following the court injunction that halted the elective convention of the apex socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw nation.
The elective convention, originally scheduled to hold on March 7, 2026, at the Ijaw House, was stopped by a court order after some stakeholders within the organization raised grievances regarding aspects of the electoral process.
Barr. Kuete made the appeal while speaking with journalists during an unscheduled consultation visit to prominent Ijaw leader, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, in Kabowei Kingdom in Patani, Delta State. Dr. Ekiyor is widely known as a former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and a past presidential aspirant of the INC.
Suspension Better Than Division
According to the Western Zonal Chairman, the suspension of the elective convention through legal means was preferable to conducting an election in a tense atmosphere that could have deepened divisions among the Ijaw people.
Kuete described the development as “divine,” stating that the circumstances surrounding the court order prevented what could have been a potentially divisive electoral process.
“It was divine that events turned out the way they did rather than conducting INC elections when a majority of Ijaw people were already aggrieved and tensions were high,” he said.
He emphasized that the unity of the Ijaw nation must always take precedence over any political or leadership contest within the organization.
Legal Redress the Civilized Path
Responding to questions on whether he supported the decision of aggrieved stakeholders to approach the court, Barr. Kuete expressed strong support for the move, stressing that seeking legal redress remains the most civilized and lawful method of resolving disputes in a democratic society.
“As a lawyer, I strongly support going to court to seek justice. It is the most civilized way to address grievances rather than taking the law into one’s hands,” he noted.
Kuete lamented that in the past, disagreements within organizations and even in the broader Nigerian political environment had sometimes degenerated into violent or uncivilized reactions. He stressed that such approaches must be discouraged in favor of lawful and peaceful mechanisms.
INC Leadership Commended
The Western Zonal Chairman also commended the leadership of the INC, particularly the National Executive Council (NEC) and the Electoral Committee (ELECO), for demonstrating respect for the rule of law by complying with the court injunction.
Rather than proceeding with the contested election, the leadership opted to conduct only a non-elective convention, a decision Kuete said reflected the peaceful disposition and maturity of the Ijaw people.
“Ijaw people are civilized and peace-loving, and the decision of the leadership and stakeholders to obey the court order shows our commitment to peace and the rule of law,” he added.
Traditional Rulers and Elders Step In
Kuete further disclosed that the internal conflict-resolution mechanism provided in the INC constitution had already been activated through the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE).
According to him, consultations among traditional rulers, elders, and other key stakeholders are currently underway with the aim of fostering reconciliation and restoring unity within the organization.
He expressed optimism that the ongoing consultations would produce a positive outcome and strengthen cohesion among the Ijaw people.
“We look forward to seeing a more united Ijaw nation. The reconciliation process has already begun and in no distant time, it will be concluded with everyone satisfied,” he stated.
Call for Calm
The Western Zonal Chairman therefore urged Ijaw people across the region—particularly those in the Western Zone—to remain patient and peaceful while the leadership of the organization works toward a lasting resolution of the issues.
“My message to Ijaw people, especially from the Western Zone, is that we should remain calm and peaceful while awaiting the outcome of the reconciliation efforts by Ijaw leaders,” he said.
Delegation Members
Members of the Western Zonal Chairman’s delegation during the consultation visit included:
Hon. Vita Odi – Vice Chairman, INC Western Zone
Barr. Preye Nduku
Barr. Baratei Kegbe
Comrade Pamotei Warisuwotei – Chief of Staff to the Western Zonal Chairman
Hon. Fred Afoegba – Chief Security Officer to the Western Zonal Chairman
The consultations form part of broader efforts by leaders of the Ijaw nation to safeguard unity, stability, and credible leadership within the Ijaw National Congress.
As discussions continue among stakeholders, observers believe the reconciliation process could pave the way for a more inclusive and widely accepted leadership structure within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Source: Statement sent directly to GlobalEgberiTV Ofunama.
Tags: Ijaw National Congress, INC Convention, Niger Delta Politics, Ijaw Leadership Crisis, Barr Priye Noel Kuete, Dr Chris Ekiyor, CITRE, Bayelsa Politics
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