Embrace dialogue to address differences – IPF tells aggrieved INC Members

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The apex Ijaw media Forum under the auspices of the Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF), which pride itself as the intellectual arm of the Ijaw struggle has called on aggrieved members and aspirants of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) 2026 elective convention to resolve their differences internally and avoid litigation, stressing that the collective interest of the Ijaw nation must remain paramount.

According to a statement issued on Monday in Warri, Delta State, and signed by the IPF President, Senior Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum expressed concern over the growing resort to court actions within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.

The group added that frequent litigations involving the INC portray the organisation in a negative light, particularly for a body expected to promote unity, provide leadership directives and selfless service among the Ijaw people.

The IPF’s reaction follows a recent ruling by the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which halted the scheduled national election of the INC that was slated for March 7.
The court order was issued by Justice S. H. Aprioku of High Court No. 8, Port Harcourt, in Suit No. PHC/719/CS/2026. The interim injunction restrained the organisation and its electoral committee from conducting the planned election.

The suit was filed by Macdonald Igbadiwei, who is contesting for the position of National President of the INC. In his filing, the claimant accused the leadership of the electoral committee of attempting to exclude him from participating in the election.

Igbadiwei subsequently sued the Chairman and members of the INC Electoral Committee as well as the INC itself over what he described as an alleged plot to prevent him from contesting.
Reacting to the development, the IPF urged all aggrieved parties to embrace dialogue and internal conflict resolution mechanisms rather than resorting to legal battles.

According to the forum, resolving disputes within the organisation would help preserve the integrity and strengthen unity of the Ijaw apex body while safeguarding the broader interests of the Ijaw nation.

The group further stressed that the INC, as the umbrella organisation representing the Ijaw people, must remain focused on advancing the socio-political and economic aspirations of the region rather than being distracted by infighting.

IPF therefore appealed to stakeholders and leaders of the INC to prioritise reconciliation, unity and peaceful resolution of disagreements in order to strengthen the organisation and protect the collective interest of the Ijaw nation.