The National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE) has announced the indefinite suspension of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) elections, which were slated to take place on Monday, April 13.
The decision to postpone the polls comes after a court injunction was issued, stemming from a lawsuit filed by candidates who were reportedly disqualified from participating. The News Agency of Nigeria reports on the development.
Following an extensive meeting held on Friday in Yenagoa, N-CITRE deliberated on the issues that led to the electoral impasse, including grievances brought forth by various parties. The body reached a consensus to halt the elections and instructed the electoral committee to cease all related activities.
The resolution passed by N-CITRE states that "the elections into the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress have been temporarily suspended until N-CITRE directs further after all disputes are settled."
It also mandated that "Consequently, N-ELECO-INC has been directed to stop performing any electoral functions until otherwise directed by N-CITRE."
Empowered by the INC constitution to arbitrate in such matters, N-CITRE has established a seven-member Dispute Resolution Committee. This committee is tasked with investigating all submitted petitions and resolving the lingering disputes that have disrupted the electoral process.
The committee, which includes representation from the Eastern, Central, and Western zones of the Ijaw territories, as well as other key stakeholders, is chaired by Bubaraye Dakolo. It will also examine petitions concerning the electoral committee itself.
N-CITRE has appealed to all stakeholders to maintain honesty and foster cooperation to ensure the enduring peace and stability of the INC.
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