News
Court Order Stalls INC Election as IPF Calls for Internal Resolution of Disputes
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has urged stakeholders and aggrieved aspirants in the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to explore internal reconciliation mechanisms rather than resorting to litigation over disagreements surrounding the organisation’s 2026 elective convention.
The appeal followed a ruling by a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt which halted the INC national election earlier scheduled for March 7.
In a statement released on Monday in Warri, Delta State, and signed by its President, Senior Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum expressed concern over the growing trend of legal battles within the apex socio-cultural body of the Ijaw people.
According to the IPF, the increasing resort to the courts over internal matters risks undermining the credibility of the organisation, which is widely regarded as the umbrella body representing the collective interests of the Ijaw nation.
The development stems from an interim injunction granted by Justice S. H. Aprioku of High Court No. 8, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. PHC/719/CS/2026. The order restrained the INC and its electoral committee from conducting the scheduled election pending further legal proceedings.
The suit was filed by Macdonald Igbadiwei, a contender for the position of National President of the INC. In his application before the court, Igbadiwei alleged that the electoral committee was attempting to prevent him from participating in the contest, prompting him to challenge the action legally.
He subsequently instituted a case against the chairman and members of the INC Electoral Committee, as well as the organisation itself, accusing them of orchestrating moves aimed at excluding him from the race.
Reacting to the situation, the IPF emphasised the need for dialogue and internal dispute resolution within the organisation, stressing that prolonged court battles could damage the reputation of the INC.
The forum noted that as the foremost socio-cultural platform of the Ijaw people, the INC is expected to promote unity, provide leadership direction, and champion the interests of the region.
According to the statement, resolving disputes through established internal mechanisms would help strengthen cohesion within the organisation and preserve its standing among the Ijaw people.
The IPF further reminded stakeholders that the primary responsibility of the INC is to advance the socio-political and economic aspirations of the Niger Delta and the broader Ijaw nation.
It therefore called on leaders, aspirants, and members of the organisation to place collective interest above individual ambitions by embracing reconciliation and constructive engagement.
The forum maintained that maintaining unity within the INC remains critical to sustaining the voice and influence of the Ijaw people in national affairs.
News
APC Progressive Entrepreurs Network (APEN) Commends APC Leadership Over Successful State Congresses
By Immaculate Agregor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has received commendation from the APC Progressive Entrepreneurs Network (APEN) following the successful conduct of the party’s state congresses across the country.
In a statement released by its Founder and National Coordinator, Arex Akemotubo, the network of entrepreneurs and professionals lauded the APC leadership and members nationwide for what it described as a peaceful and well-organised exercise.
According to APEN, the orderly conduct of the congresses demonstrates the ruling party’s dedication to internal democracy, cohesion among members, and the strengthening of its political structures across the federation.
The group noted that the outcome of the congresses represents an important milestone in consolidating the party’s leadership and positioning it to effectively mobilise citizens toward economic advancement and enterprise development.
“As a network of entrepreneurs, innovators and business-minded Nigerians who share the progressive ideals of the APC, we consider the successful congresses a vital step toward strengthening the party’s capacity to drive economic growth and national prosperity,” the statement read.
APEN also praised the national leadership of the party, the various congress committees, and party members across the states for their discipline and commitment in ensuring a smooth exercise.
The organisation further reaffirmed its readiness to continue mobilising entrepreneurs, professionals and business leaders who support the progressive vision of the party and believe in the role of enterprise as a catalyst for innovation, job creation and economic development in Nigeria.
The group expressed optimism about working closely with party leaders and stakeholders across the country to support policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s economic future.
APEN concluded by once again congratulating the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress on what it described as the successful conduct of the state congresses nationwide.
By Divine Perezide
The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced processes to screen nine individuals nominated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for appointment as commissioners and members of the State Executive Council.
The nominees were invited by the Assembly following the formal submission of their names by the governor as part of efforts to reconstitute his cabinet after recent political developments in the state.
In a special announcement issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Emeka Amadi, the nominees were directed to submit detailed documentation, including multiple copies of their curriculum vitae, academic credentials and proof of tax compliance, ahead of the screening exercise.
The list of nominees forwarded to the legislature includes Professor Datonye Alasia, Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, Otonye Amachree, and Amairigha Edward Hart.
Although the Assembly confirmed receipt of the list, the exact date for the screening exercise had not been officially announced at the time of the invitation.
Political observers note that the nominations come after Governor Fubara recently reshuffled his administration, which included the dismissal of some commissioners and advisers as part of broader political adjustments within the state government.
The development also follows a period of political tension in Rivers State that prompted intervention by President Bola Tinubu, which helped calm disputes between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
With the screening process set to begin, the nominees are expected to appear before lawmakers to defend their credentials and policy visions before any confirmation that would enable them to assume office as members of the Rivers State Executive Council.
Analysts believe the exercise will mark another step in stabilising governance in the oil-rich state as the Fubara administration works to rebuild its cabinet and consolidate its political footing.
By Davison Tanyare
Warri — A legal dispute involving the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has intensified following the commencement of contempt proceedings against some top officials of the organisation at the Bomadi High Court in Delta State.
According to a press statement dated March 3, 2026, committal proceedings were formally instituted on Monday, March 2, against the Leader of the INC National Representative Council, Dr. Kio Anyanate, the National Legal Adviser, Barr. Boma Tons Fetepigi, the Clerk of the National Representative Council, Gabriel Benamiesiegha, and the Deputy Clerk, Princess Joyce Adesola Ebiseni.
The legal action is reportedly connected to an earlier judgment of the Delta State High Court sitting in Bomadi in Suit No. HCB/3/2023, filed by the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom, His Royal Majesty King S. P. Luke (Kalanama VIII), against the Incorporated Trustees of the INC and the President of the organisation, Prof. Benjamin Okaba.
The monarch had approached the court to challenge a process allegedly initiated by the INC in 2023 to divide the Akugbene Mein Kingdom into two clans. In its judgment delivered on March 21, 2024, the Bomadi High Court ruled in favour of the monarch and restrained the INC, its leadership, and representatives from recognising Kerebiri-Mein as a clan within the Western Zone of the organisation.
The court also dismissed an application filed by the INC seeking a stay of execution of the judgment on February 5, 2025. The ruling was subsequently served on relevant officials and organs of the organisation, including the National Representative Council.
However, the controversy resurfaced recently when the National Representative Council of the INC, during its constitution review deliberations on February 1, 2026, reportedly recommended the recognition of Kerebiri-Mein as a clan and proposed the election of delegates from the area to participate in the forthcoming INC elections.
The development prompted the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom to initiate committal proceedings through his counsel, Mr. Eric Omare, who filed processes seeking to hold the officials accountable for allegedly violating the court’s order. The officials were said to have been served Form 48, which signals possible contempt proceedings that could lead to imprisonment if the court finds them guilty.
Read the Press Release issued by the monarch:
But the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress has strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as misleading and politically motivated attempts to tarnish the image of the organisation ahead of its forthcoming elections.
A senior aide to the INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, who spoke to journalists in Warri, insisted that the organisation remains a law-abiding body that respects the authority of the courts.
According to him, the interpretation being given to the council’s constitutional review recommendations is inaccurate and does not amount to disobedience of any court order.
“The INC under the leadership of Professor Benjamin Okaba is a responsible and law-abiding organisation that holds the rule of law in the highest regard. At no time did the President direct any official to violate a valid court order,” the aide said.
He explained that the constitutional review exercise undertaken by the National Representative Council was part of the organisation’s routine internal administrative process and should not be misconstrued as a deliberate attempt to undermine the judiciary.
“The INC is a broad socio-cultural body representing millions of Ijaw people across Nigeria. Discussions around administrative structures or constitutional amendments are internal democratic processes and should not be misrepresented as contempt of court,” he added.
The aide further maintained that Prof. Okaba has always advocated peace, unity, and lawful engagement within the Ijaw nation, stressing that the current leadership remains committed to resolving all disputes through dialogue and legal channels.
He also expressed confidence that the courts would ultimately clarify the issues in dispute.
“We are confident that once the facts are properly presented before the court, it will become clear that there was no intention whatsoever to disrespect the judiciary. The INC leadership respects traditional institutions, respects the courts, and remains committed to the unity and progress of the Ijaw nation,” he said.
Observers within the Niger Delta say the unfolding legal dispute could influence political alignments within the INC as preparations intensify for the organisation’s forthcoming elections.
However, stakeholders are calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent internal disagreements from deepening divisions within the apex socio-cultural body of the Ijaw people.