The chairman of the National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE), Bubaraye Dakolo, has said no valid election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) was held on April 13.

Mr Dakolo said at a press conference in Yenagoa on Friday that the exercise purportedly held on April 13 contravened laid-down procedures.

Mr Dakolo, also the chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, said that Ijaw traditional rulers and elders had directed that the election should be suspended.

“There were issues that required resolution. So key stakeholders agreed that proceeding with the election would heighten tensions. It was agreed that no election should be held.

“Sadly, some individuals defied the directive and went ahead with a process which can best be described as unconstitutional and invalid.

“Ijaw leaders and elders were not officially informed of any rescheduled timetable after the directive, so no valid election was held,” he said.

The traditional ruler stated that the N-CITRE was empowered by the INC constitution to intervene in all election-related matters.

Mr Dokolo, the paramount ruler of Ekpetiama in Yenagoa Local Government Area, said that the body’s intervention in the matter was constitutional and well-intended.

He said that a settlement committee set up by N-CITRE would soon commence sittings to address all grievances and ensure that a credible and valid election was held.

 (NAN)