From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The Council of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) has on Thursday said, there is no elections into the executive council of Ijaw National Congress (INC) on Monday 13th April 2026 as been speculated in some quarters that elections was held.
CITRE still maintained it’s action suspending the election into the executive positions of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), insisting on the guiding principles of the INC Constitution.
Addressing press conference in his office at the state Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat in Yenagoa the state capital, Chairman of CITRE, HRM, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, who is also the Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, on Thursday said CITRE stand on the Constitutional Process and the INC Electoral Timeline.
Speaking further said, ” no elections on the 13th of April 2026. We asked our people not to participate in that kangaroo elections and they stayed away. Maybe the outgoing president,Prof. Benjamin Okaba has a motive behind his actions,that is why he is in a hurry to conduct an elections without following due process as stipulated by INC constitution.
” The purported elections was just another efforts in futility. The seven man committee will have it inaugural meeting on Monday 20th April 2026 and at the end, we will organized a credible, peaceful and rancour Free elections.
“Until issues are settled and you withdraw your case and show evidence that you have withdrawn, then you can conduct an elections. Why would he want to deceive everybody, then there must be a motive. There is nothing wrong if he cannot conduct an elections and his time expires, CITRE can take over and manage the affairs of the Ijaw apex body until a proper elections is conducted.
” The constitution has given us power to settle disputes including elections disputes. On this matter CITRE has taken a decision and the decision is final’.
