The interim steering committee of the Ijaw National Congress, (INC) has condemned invasion of the Ijaw House in Yenagoa on Saturday, 29 June, 2019 by some hoodlums that led to the disruption of the vote counting and collation process of the Elective Convention of the INC which went on smoothly before the ugly incidence.
The Acting Chairman, Interim Steering Committee, Amb. Godknows Boladei Igali, wondered why such a sacrilegious act could be carried out in the sanctity of the Ijaw House, Yenagoa and in the presence of some of the members of the highly respected Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE) as well as members of INC Interim Steering Committee and Electoral Committee (ELECO) of the flagship organization saying it was totally condemnable and unacceptable.
The interim steering committee recalled that counting of votes after very peaceful and orderly elections held in the open and was almost concluded. According to the committee, the outcome of majority of the oppositions had already been declared while awaiting counting of the ballots of the offices of National Secretary, Vice President (East), Vice President (Central) and President of Congress, when what was described as an act of cowardice occurred.
Consequent upon this development, the Interim steering commitment has since brought the matter to the attention of the respective security and law enforcement authorities for urgent but thorough investigations, so as to bring the masterminds and immediate perpetrators to book.
Amb. Igali therefore enjoined all Ijaw sons and daughters in their various communities, in the rest of Nigeria and those around the world, to remain calm as the matter will be being fully dealt with. Adding that an emergency meeting of CITRE is also expected to hold soon to discuss the matter, including reviews of results of investigation so far and charting a way forward.
He also said that the unfortunate attempt by few unscrupulous elements, who will stop at nothing to bring dishonor to the Ijaw pride and identity must not be allowed in any manner whatsoever, to dampen their common resolves to reunite and rebuild the INC. He assured that very soon, the process will be completed and a properly elected INC leadership will be put in place.
