INC Lagos Elects Tonye Harry As Chairman

By Perekeme Odon 

The Ijaw National Congress, INC, has decisively elected Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard as its new chairman in a fiercely contested election, where he secured victory over Rev. Canon Asoliye Douglas West.

Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard

The election, held on Saturday, 21st September 2024, at the Red Brick, NCAC, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos State, marked the successful election of the new chairman of the apex Ijaw body and eight other officials in a tranquil atmosphere.

Comrade Tonye, the Deputy President of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and a former treasurer of the INC Lagos Chapter, and the new Executive Committee would be entrusted with directing the affairs of the council in Lagos State for the next three years.

INC

The electoral committee's adoption of option A4 resulted in a compelling victory for the Rivers-born Kalabari-Ijaw leader, who secured 18 votes, surpassing his rival, Comrade Douglas West, who received 14 votes. This marks an exciting new chapter for the INC Lagos State under Comrade Tonye's capable leadership.

In his earlier address, Pastor Ebitimi Dio-Posibi, the outgoing chairman of the INC Lagos Chapter, implored the contestants to comport themselves in a manner befitting both their personal reputation and that of the Ijaw Nation. He affirmed that the upcoming election would be characterised by peace, transparency, freedom, and fairness.

ELECO Committee Members

The chairman, electoral committee, Erepatei Mawari (Esq), and Secretary Peremodboere Blessing Udisi accredited 30 nominated delegates from the East, West, and Central zones of the INC. Six positions were elected unopposed, while the positions of chairman, vice chairman, financial secretary, and organising secretary were contested.

The newly elected executives of INC Lagos Chapter are Tonye Leonard Harry: Chairman (Eastern Zone); Matawa Yinkere Harry: Vice Chairman (Western Zone); Elayelagha Golden Ambakederemo: Secretary (Central Zone); Sogules Ere Howell: Assistant Secretary (Eastern Zone); Abraham Gillet Okponimibofa: Financial Secretary (Central Zone); Arepade Odimowei Corson: Treasurer (Western Zone); and Henry Elijah Gabriel: Publicity Secretary (Eastern Zone).

Outgoing INC Chairman, Pst Ebitimi Dio-Posibi (M)

Other elected officers are Bodiesere Sarah Jacob, organising secretary (central zone), Mary Ebinimie Ayakpo, auditor (central zone), and Paul Tam Kurekure (ESQ)—legal adviser (western zone), while former chairman Pastor Ebitimi Dio-Posibi was named the ex-officio member according to the INC constitution.

Delegates and observers hailed the election as a historic success for the INC Lagos chapter, noting its peaceful, free, and fair nature.

Alaere Barr Churchere Komonibo

In his inaugural address, Comrade Tonye Harry Leonard pledged to be a collaborative leader, committed to working closely with the parent body through regular meetings aimed at reconciling members with differing perspectives on the council.

He unequivocally assured Ijaw elders with an assurance of transparency and all-inclusiveness that will characterise his administration. He emphasised that his administration would address previous irregularities and urged all dissatisfied parties to collaborate in advancing the chapter forward.

High Chief F.J. Williams (INC Vice President 3)

Present at the election from the three zones of Ijaw Nation included Chief Kroma Amafina JP, Elder Alaye D. Peters, Chief Cyrus Olopele, Elder Regent Youmour, High Chief F.J. Williams (INC Vice President 3), Chief Joshua Benamiesegha (former INC Acting President Worldwide), Chief Barr Donald A.K. Horsfall (Independent Observer), and Alaere Barr Churchere Komonibo (former INC chairperson, Lagos Chapter, and INC Lagos Chapter Returning Officer).

Elder Regent Youmor

Eastern Zone in an Emergency Meeting

A Cross Section of Delegates and Observers