Court halts INC inauguration amid leadership crisis
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction restraining the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), the Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, and the Chairman of the Electoral Committee from inaugurating, swearing in, or presenting any individuals as officers of the INC.
The ruling follows the deepening leadership crisis within the INC after the controversial National Executive Council election held on 13 April, which CITRE, regarded as the apex judicial authority of the congress, declared null and void over alleged constitutional breaches.
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Nathan Tamarapreye
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction restraining the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), the Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, and the Chairman of the Electoral Committee from inaugurating, swearing in, or presenting any individuals as officers of the INC.
The ruling follows the deepening leadership crisis within the INC after the controversial National Executive Council election held on 13 April, which CITRE, regarded as the apex judicial authority of the congress, declared null and void over alleged constitutional breaches.
The suit was filed by Pastor Victor Burubo, Eneyo Athanasius Emmanuel and Ekene Okeigbeye, who asked the court to halt the planned inauguration of officers produced by the disputed poll.
Justice Sobere Biambo, after hearing submissions from V.U. Uzochukwu, counsel to the applicants, granted the interim injunction, restraining the defendants from swearing in any officer who emerged from the 13 April election pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until 8 May for the hearing of the motion on notice.
Speaking after the disputed election, Chairman of CITRE and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, maintained that, in the view of Ijaw traditional rulers and elders, no valid election took place on 13 April.
