Ijaw elders defend INC poll suspension, cite constitution
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.
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*HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
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.
He noted that communications from various organs of the INC regarding the forthcoming national elections had been carefully reviewed, reiterating that the polls would remain suspended until all pending petitions arising from the process are resolved.
According to him, CITRE’s action was guided by its responsibility to maintain order, balance and continuity within the Congress.
While stressing that CITRE does not directly conduct elections, the monarch said the body has a duty to ensure that all processes within the Congress strictly comply with the constitution from which they derive authority.
He added that where concerns arise over the constitutional integrity of any process, such issues must be addressed through established institutional mechanisms to preserve legitimacy and public confidence.
The council explained that this informed its decision to constitute a committee to review outstanding constitutional and procedural issues linked to the electoral process.
CITRE further assured stakeholders of its commitment to ensuring that the Congress operates within a framework that guarantees credibility, legitimacy and order, urging all parties to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures.
“The electoral process remains in abeyance pending the committee’s report. This position is guided solely by the need to preserve the integrity of a process under review,” the statement said.
It also called on all organs and stakeholders of the Congress to act in a manner that supports institutional cohesion, respects established procedures and avoids actions that could undermine ongoing efforts to ensure constitutional compliance.
The committee is expected to conclude its work within the stipulated timeframe, after which CITRE will consider its recommendations in the overall interest of the Ijaw nation.
