Chairman of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), His Royal Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, has insisted that no valid election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was conducted on April 13.
King Dakolo said on Friday that any purported exercise held on that date contravened laid-down procedures.
Speaking during a press briefing, King Dakolo, who is also the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, said CITRE had earlier directed that the election be suspended pending the resolution of disputes.
He explained that the decision followed consultations, including a meeting convened by the state government, where key stakeholders agreed that proceeding with the election would heighten tensions.
He said: “At the end of the discussions and robust consultations, the resolution was that at this stage, there should be no INC elections.
“However, President Okaba countered the resolution on his own, as he was determined to proceed with the election.”
The traditional ruler maintained that despite the directive, some individuals went ahead with the process, which he described as unconstitutional and invalid. He added that CITRE was not officially informed of any rescheduled timetable.
He said: “So what am I saying? There was no election on the 13th. As we speak, there was no election on that date. If you check my records, nothing has been communicated to me.”
King Dakolo also dismissed claims that CITRE’s role is limited to post-election disputes, clarifying that the body is empowered by the INC constitution to intervene in all electoral-related matters.
According to him, “The constitution says to settle disputes arising from elections; it does not specify post-election. Anyone suggesting otherwise is misleading the public.”
Responding to questions on the legality of the exercise and claims by individuals who say they emerged as winners, the traditional ruler described such actions as “efforts in futility” and warned that those involved risk consequences for disregarding constituted authority.
He said: “As far as CITRE is concerned, there was no election on April 13 because the appropriate authority had already directed that everything be put on hold. If anyone chooses to parade themselves as a winner, that is their decision, but it may not be a wise one.”
King Dakolo further disclosed that a settlement committee set up by CITRE would commence sittings to address all grievances and ensure a credible electoral process going forward.
He added: “The Settlement Committee will hold its inaugural meeting on Monday. “We shall address all issues and ensure that a credible and widely accepted election is conducted.”
