“We’re Not With INC”- Ijaw Elders Break Ranks, Pledge To Intervene In Crisis

The Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF) has formally distanced itself from the current leadership and global structure of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), alleging persistent constitutional violations and a collapse of internal democratic governance within the apex socio-cultural organisation.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Chief Bukazi Etete, and Secretary, Mr. Efiye Bribena, the forum accused the INC leadership of failing to operate in accordance with the organisation’s constitution, arguing that no institution can legitimately represent the Ijaw people while disregarding the constitutional principles that confer its authority.

The IEF expressed concern that public confidence in the INC’s capacity to defend the political, economic, environmental, and constitutional interests of the Ijaw nation has steadily eroded.

Consequently, the forum announced that it would resume the advocacy role it previously played between 2015 and 2021, a period during which internal crises within the INC reportedly hampered the organisation’s effectiveness.

The statement declared: “Until all constitutional issues affecting the status, governance and legitimacy of the INC are conclusively resolved and constitutional order is restored, the Ijaw Elders Forum shall fill the resulting vacuum in advancing the collective interests of the Ijaw people, as it did between 2015 and 2021.”

According to the forum, the intervention is a temporary measure designed to safeguard the interests of the Ijaw nation until constitutional order and legitimate leadership are restored within the INC.

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The IEF outlined its priorities to include promoting transparency and accountability in Ijaw advocacy, protecting the constitutional, political and resource rights of the Ijaw people, strengthening regional unity, and engaging constructively with governments, development partners and other stakeholders across the Niger Delta.

Vanguard reports that the forum also appealed to traditional rulers, youth and women groups, professionals, and other critical stakeholders throughout the Niger Delta to support efforts aimed at restoring constitutional governance and institutional integrity within the Ijaw National Congress.

As of the time of filing this report, the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress had not issued any official response to the allegations made by the Ijaw Elders Forum.