Ijaw women across Nigeria and the diaspora have rejected the constitution of an ad hoc committee by the leadership of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), describing it as lacking legal foundation and capable of undermining the integrity of the organisation.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on behalf of Ijaw women of conscience, Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agary said the committee, reportedly set up on April 13, 2026—the same day as the disputed INC national executive elections—raises critical questions about legitimacy, transparency, and adherence to constitutional processes.
The group queried the basis for the committee, asking who the aggrieved parties are, what specific grievances are being addressed, and under what constitutional authority the committee operates. According to them, a committee without clearly defined disputes or legal backing amounts to “institutional camouflage” rather than a genuine mechanism for conflict resolution.
The statement emphasized that internal dispute resolution within the INC is constitutionally vested in its Conflict Resolution Committee (CITRE), not in any ad hoc arrangement.
Addressing the broader crisis, the women said the controversy surrounding the recent elections stems from a breach of due process and disregard for constitutional order, which they argue has eroded collective trust in the organisation.
They further noted that the legitimacy of any electoral process is compromised when key stakeholders decline to participate, stressing that “process is the foundation of authority” and that any outcome derived from a flawed process cannot stand.
While refraining from naming specific individuals due to ongoing judicial proceedings, the group expressed concern over what it described as the growing influence of “non-institutional actors” in civic and political spaces within the Ijaw nation. It warned that historical relevance or past prominence does not confer present constitutional authority.
The women also cautioned against a return to periods of instability in the Niger Delta, noting that past conflicts required significant interventions and sacrifices to restore peace.
In a stern warning, the group declared that any further attempts to distort constitutional processes or impose outcomes would be met with “firm, lawful, and collective resistance.”
They insisted that accountability remains the only viable path forward, adding that no committee can legitimize an illegality or replace due process with ambiguity.
The statement concluded with a firm demand for full accountability, strict adherence to the INC constitution, and immediate correction of what they described as illegitimate processes.
“We will defend our institutions. We will defend due process. We will defend the integrity of the Ijaw Nation,” the statement read.
The women reaffirmed their resolve not to be intimidated or silenced, declaring their commitment to justice, order, and the preservation of Ijaw institutions.
