Ijaw women reject INC committee, demand due process in election dispute
Ijaw women from across Nigeria and the diaspora have rejected the ad-hoc mediation committee constituted by Benjamin Okaba, describing it as lacking constitutional backing and calling instead for strict adherence
Ijaw women from across Nigeria and the diaspora have rejected the ad-hoc mediation committee constituted by Benjamin Okaba, describing it as lacking constitutional backing and calling instead for strict adherence to due process in resolving the crisis arising from the April 13, 2026, Ijaw National Congress (INC) elections.
In a strongly worded statement, the women, under the leadership of Timiebi Koripamo-Agary of the Ijaw Women’s Rights Group, condemned both the conduct of the elections and the immediate inauguration of the mediation panel, which they termed an “institutional camouflage” without legal foundation.
They questioned the legitimacy of the committee, citing what they described as “deliberate ambiguity” surrounding its mandate, the identity of aggrieved parties, and its authority under the INC constitution.
Advertisement
300x250
According to them, disputes arising from the elections should be handled by the congress’ constitutional dispute resolution body, CITRE, rather than an ad hoc panel set up on the same day as the “deeply disputed” polls.
“A committee without defined parties, without stated disputes, and without legal foundation is not conflict resolution,” the statement read.
The controversy followed an earlier announcement by the INC of a seven-member mediation committee chaired by retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Julius Alawari Okoro.
Other members include HRH Iraron Ede Obolo (vice chairman), Elder Regent Youmor, Chief Mrs Florence Ajih, Alabo Roberts Fubara Reginald, Barrister Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe, and Professor Bodisere Juliet Teibowei as secretary.
The committee had been mandated to engage aggrieved parties with a view to achieving an amicable resolution and had appealed for calm and cooperation from stakeholders.
Advertisement
300x250
However, the Ijaw women maintained that the situation represents a fundamental breach of due process and constitutional order, warning against what they described as “emerging patterns of influence” by individuals without electoral mandates.
“Historical relevance is not a substitute for constitutional legitimacy. Past visibility does not confer present authority,” the group stated, cautioning that any deviation from established rules could trigger instability within the Ijaw Nation.
Koripamo-Agary reiterated the group’s position, declaring: “We will defend our institutions. We will defend due process. We will defend the integrity of the Ijaw Nation. No individual, no matter their past or perceived influence, is greater than the collective will of the people.”
The women demanded full accountability, strict compliance with the INC constitution, and immediate correction of what they termed illegitimate processes, warning that continued distortions would attract “firm, lawful, and collective resistance.”
They concluded with a rallying call to Ijaw women: “For justice. For order. For the integrity of our Nation. We will not retreat. We will not surrender.”
