Ijaw Monarchs

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) has nullified the purported April 13 election of the Ijaw National Congress, insisting that no valid electoral process took place.

Chairman of CITRE, King Bubaraye Dakolo, made the declaration on Friday, stating that any exercise conducted on the said date contravened established procedures and earlier directives.

Speaking at a press briefing, Dakolo, who also chairs the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, said the body had previously ordered the suspension of the election pending the resolution of internal disputes.

He explained that the directive followed extensive consultations, including a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the state government, where parties agreed that proceeding with the poll would escalate tensions.

According to him, despite the consensus, certain individuals went ahead with the process in defiance of the directive, rendering the exercise unconstitutional and invalid.

Dakolo stressed that CITRE was not officially notified of any rescheduled election timetable, insisting that no credible poll could have taken place under such circumstances.

He also dismissed claims that the council’s role is limited to post-election dispute resolution, clarifying that under the INC constitution, it has the authority to intervene in all electoral matters.

The monarch warned individuals laying claim to victory in the disputed exercise to desist, describing such actions as futile and potentially consequential.

Reaffirming CITRE’s position, he maintained that the election remained null and void, as the directive to suspend the process had not been lifted.

Dakolo further disclosed that a settlement committee established by the council will begin sittings to address grievances and restore order within the organisation.

He said the committee would work towards resolving all outstanding issues and ensuring that a credible, transparent, and widely accepted election is conducted.