The Coalition of Ijaw Interest Groups (CIIG) has warned against any attempt to inaugurate a new leadership for the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing the proposed swearing-in ceremony as unconstitutional and illegal.
In a statement issued to journalists, the coalition, alongside concerned Ijaw stakeholders, argued that proceeding with the inauguration would violate existing court orders, provisions of the INC constitution, and resolutions reached by relevant authorities following the disputed April 13, 2026 election.
According to the group, the leadership crisis within the INC has escalated into what it described as a constitutional, moral, and institutional emergency capable of undermining the credibility and future of the organisation.
“The ongoing crisis has moved beyond an ordinary lapse in leadership but has now become a profound constitutional, moral, and institutional emergency threatening the soul and future credibility of the organization,” the statement read.
CIIG accused the outgoing INC leadership under Benjamin Okaba of disregarding directives issued by the National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE), including a resolution reached on April 10, 2026, which reportedly suspended all electoral activities in line with the INC 2019 Constitution.
The coalition further claimed that appeals and interventions by Douye Diri and other prominent Ijaw elders were ignored by those overseeing the process.
CIIG also expressed concern over alleged attempts to invoke the governor’s name without authorisation in a bid to legitimise the disputed process.
“Any leadership emerging from the disputed process would lack the moral, constitutional, and representative legitimacy required to speak on behalf of the Ijaw people,” the coalition stated.
The group alleged that many of those behind the factionalisation efforts originated from the western zone, the same region as Prof. Okaba, warning that such actions could have serious implications for the unity of the organisation.
CIIG urged N-CITRE to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order within the INC to prevent what it described as the possible collapse of the organisation.
It also warned that failure to resolve the crisis could result in the emergence of an alternative body to represent Ijaw interests.
The coalition called on Ijaw stakeholders worldwide, including traditional rulers, elders, youth groups, women organisations, and civil society groups, to defend the integrity of the INC and reject sectional domination.
The group further appealed to the outgoing leadership to respect constituted authorities and refrain from conducting any swearing-in ceremony.
The statement was signed by several prominent Ijaw figures, including Annkio Briggs, Iniruo Wills, Ben Okoro, Efiye Bribena, Chief Denzil Kentebe, Elaye Otrofanowei, Pattison Boleigha, Mrs. Rosemary John-Oduone, Ebitimi Egbunukumoh, and Yimovie Sakue-Collins.
The INC remains the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ijaw people and has historically championed issues relating to resource control, environmental justice, and minority rights in the Niger Delta region.
