INC Leadership Dispute: Nengi James Withdraws Suit Against Okaba, Electoral Committee
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA – Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, OON, former Second Vice President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has withdrawn his court case challenging the electoral process that produced High Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei, Esq., as president of the pan-Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, following peace efforts by prominent Ijaw leaders.
James-Eriworio had instituted the suit against the immediate past INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and the National Electoral Committee (N-ELECO), over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the election.
The dispute arose from the electoral process conducted by the committee led by High Justice F.F. Tabai (rtd.) and Justice Olobo Choice Jamaica, which the former INC vice president alleged was inconsistent with the organisation’s constitution.
The suit, numbered BYHC/YHC/CV/206/2026, was filed at the Bayelsa State High Court, Yenagoa, and presided over by Justice Amadise Michael Ekadi.
The withdrawal followed interventions by prominent Ijaw leaders, including former INC President, Chief Joshua Fumudoh; Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali; and former Deputy Governor of the old Rivers State, H.E. G.T. Toby, among other elders who worked to reconcile the aggrieved parties.
The Bayelsa State Government, under Governor Douye Diri, also constituted a peace committee to reconcile the contending Ijaw elders and restore unity within the INC.
At the resumed hearing, the case was called for further proceedings, but the parties were absent from court.
Counsel to the claimant, Samuel E. Seikebolopremo, Esq., informed the court that the matter was scheduled for withdrawal and discontinuance. He subsequently applied for the court’s leave to withdraw the suit.
The respondents, including Prof. Okaba and members of the N-ELECO, had reportedly not appeared in court during the earlier proceedings.
Reacting to the development, the Secretary of the INC Nembe Clan, Seigha J. Owolo, commended James-Eriworio for withdrawing the case, describing the move as a demonstration of his commitment to peace, unity and the collective progress of the Ijaw Nation.
Owolo said the former INC vice president had demonstrated that he was a true ambassador of unity by honouring his part of the agreement reached in the interest of lasting peace.
“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,” he said.
He added: “Peace is strength. Unity is progress. The Ijaw Nation must stand together!”
