The leadership crisis rocking the Ijaw National Congress (INC) may have come to an end as its former Second Vice President, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, has withdrawn his suit challenging the election of High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei as President.
James-Eriworio had instituted an action before the Bayelsa State High Court against the former President of the Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and the National Electoral Committee (N-ELECO) headed by Justice F.F. Tabai (rtd) and Justice Olobo Choice Jamaica.
In the suit, he alleged improper handling of the INC constitution and irregularities in the electoral process that produced Igbadiwei.
The suit, with reference number BYHC/YHC/CV/206/2026, came up before Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi of High Court Eleven, Yenagoa.
It was learnt that the intervention of some respected Ijaw elders, including former INC President, Chief Joshua Fumudoh; Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali; and former Deputy Governor of old Rivers State, G.T.G. Toby, as well as a peace committee set up by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, paved the way for an amicable resolution.
At the resumed hearing, after several adjournments, none of the parties was present. Counsel to the claimant, Samuel Seikebolopremo, however, told the court that his client had instructed that the matter be withdrawn and sought the leave of the court for discontinuance.
The respondents – Prof. Okaba and the N-ELECO members – had not appeared in court throughout the proceedings.
In a reaction, the Secretary of INC, Nembe Clan, Seigha J. Owolo, lauded James-Eriworio for prioritising the unity and collective progress of the Ijaw nation, describing his decision as an act of maturity, sacrifice and patriotism.
