Efiye Bribena, a stakeholder in the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has commended Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri for maintaining neutrality during the organisation’s recent election.

Bribena said Diri’s decision not to interfere in the electoral process demonstrated strength of character and respect for the autonomy of the INC.

He made the remarks in a statement titled, “For the Records,” while reflecting on the controversy surrounding the INC election and subsequent inauguration.

Bribena said the INC had suffered from persistent interference by successive Bayelsa governors, which he alleged had negatively affected its leadership selection process.

He said it was therefore refreshing that Diri, despite his personal preferences, chose not to interfere in or influence the election.

“I wish to place on record my profound respect for the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Douye Diri, for maintaining neutrality,” he said.

Bribena urged future governors of the state to sustain what he described as Diri’s non-interference in the affairs of the INC.

He, however, disagreed with those who interpreted the governor’s neutrality as weakness or lack of leadership.

“I see, instead, a strength of character in his stance,” he said.

Bribena, however, faulted what he described as attempts by some individuals to exploit the governor’s neutrality to impose their preferred candidate.

According to him, such actions resulted in what he described as a “charade of an election and a sham inauguration.”

He said his disagreement with Diri was over the governor’s decision to establish a reconciliation committee without insisting on constitutional order and justice.

“My point of departure with the Governor lies in his setting up a reconciliation committee without insisting on the maintenance of constitutional order and justice,” he said.

Bribena stressed that peace without justice and unity without equity would remain unsustainable.

He warned that the reconciliation process, if not anchored on justice and constitutional order, could entrench impunity, lawlessness and corruption within the INC.

“History will judge His Excellency Douye Diri kindly for his neutrality during the flawed electoral process,” he said.

He, however, added that history could judge the governor harshly if the reconciliation process contributed to undermining constitutional order within the INC.

Bribena expressed concern that the current situation could further weaken the organisation and called for a reconciliation process founded on justice, equity and adherence to the INC constitution.