The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has denied allegations that he influenced the disqualification of certain aspirants in the organization’s electoral process. He stated that the decisions taken by the electoral committee were strictly guided by the provisions of the INC constitution.
Professor Okaba addressed the allegations while meeting with some Ijaw groups at his office. He said the claims that he interfered in the screening process were unfounded and misleading. According to him, the electoral committee acted independently and in line with the rules that govern the Congress.
He emphasized that the INC constitution clearly outlines the qualifications required for members seeking elective positions within the organization. He noted that every decision taken during the screening exercise was based on those constitutional requirements.
The INC president specifically referred to Article 8(E) of the constitution. He explained that the article provides that an ordinary member of Congress who has paid the prescribed membership fee and annual subscription qualifies as a participating member. Such a member, he said, is entitled to take part in all activities of the Congress, including contesting for elective offices, unless otherwise disqualified under the constitution.
Professor Okaba stressed that the payment of membership dues and active participation in the Congress are fundamental requirements. He said these conditions are not optional and must be fulfilled by anyone aspiring to hold office within the organization.
He also cited Article 21 under the section on the National Executive Council. According to him, the provision clearly states that anyone seeking election into the National Executive Council must have been a participating member of Congress for at least 12 calendar months before the election.
The INC president explained that this requirement ensures that only committed and active members who have demonstrated sustained involvement in the Congress can occupy leadership positions. He maintained that the rule is meant to protect the integrity and continuity of the organization.
Professor Okaba rejected suggestions that the screening process was manipulated to favor certain individuals. He said the electoral committee carefully reviewed the records of aspirants to determine their eligibility based on the constitutional criteria.
He warned against attempts to blackmail or pressure the leadership of the Congress over the outcome of the screening exercise. According to him, the leadership will not compromise the constitution to satisfy personal interests.
The president further stated that adherence to the constitution is essential for maintaining unity and order within the INC. He urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to study the provisions of the constitution before making public accusations.
Professor Okaba reiterated that the INC remains committed to conducting transparent and credible elections. He assured members that the organization’s leadership would continue to uphold democratic principles and constitutional guidelines in all its activities.
He called on members of the Ijaw nation to remain calm and avoid actions that could create division within the Congress. He emphasized that the strength of the INC lies in its unity and respect for established rules.
The INC president concluded by reaffirming that the electoral committee acted within its mandate. He maintained that any aspirant who failed to meet the constitutional requirements was disqualified solely on that basis and not because of external influence.
The controversy surrounding the disqualification of some aspirants has generated debate among members of the Congress. However, Professor Okaba’s response underscores the leadership’s position that the process was conducted in accordance with the governing constitution of the Ijaw National Congress.
