INC Election dispute: Ex-VP, Nengi James withdraws court case against ex-President, Electoral Committee
The Former Second Vice President of the Umbrella body of Ijaw Elders, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has withdrew his court case challenging the process which led to the emergence of High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei, Esq as President.
Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, OON, had during the disputed electoral process of the INC handled by the High Justice F.F. Tabai (Rtd) and Justice Olobo Choice Jamaica led National Electoral Committee (N-ELECO), dragged the Former President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba and the electoral committee to court siting improper handling of the constitution of the body.
But for the timely intervention of notable Ijaw Elders such as Former president of INC, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali, former Deputy Governor of the Old Rivers State, H.E, G.T.Toby, among other Ijaw Elders intervened and brokered peace among Warrington Elders.
The State Government led by Governor Douye Diri also set up a peace committee to unite the Warrington Ijaw Elders and bring about peace in the INC.
Chief Nengi James, in his Court action, which was filed before the State High Court Eleven under suit numbered BYHC/YHC/CV/206/2026 and presided over by Justice Amadise Micheal Ekadi,had argued that the process leading to the INC election was flawed with irregularities.
The respondents in the suit, the immediate past President of the INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba,High Justice F.F. Tabai (Rtd) and Justice Olobo Choice Jamaica led National Electoral Committee (N-ELECO) never appeared in court.
At the resumed hearing after several adjournment, the case was called for further hearing but all the parties to the suit were absent.
The Counsel to the claimant, Samuel E.Seikebolopremo Esq, while responding to the calling of the case plaeded with the presiding Judge that the case was slated for withdrawal and discontinuance.
He formally applied for the withdrawal of the case and applied for the leave of court to withdraw.
Reacting to the development, Secretary of the INC,Nembe Clan, Seigha J Owolo noted that Alabo Nengi James has shown that he is truly a Unity ambassador of Ijaw Nation and has demonstrated commitment to the peace, unity, and collective progress of the Ijaw Nation by honouring his part of the agreement in the interest of lasting peace and oneness.
He said “This is a commendable demonstration of maturity, sacrifice, and patriotism. At a time when unity is paramount, choosing peace over prolonged disputes sends a powerful message that the collective interest of the Ijaw Nation must always come first.”
“Peace is strength. Unity is progress. The Ijaw Nation must stand together!”
