Justice Iniekenimi Uzaka has recused himself from handling a case seeking to nullify the National Executive Council (NEC) election of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) conducted by the retired Justice Francis Tabai led electoral committee on April 13th, 2026 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
One of the INC presidential election candidates, Rear Admiral Geofrey Yanga (rtd ) who boycotted the election due to alleged irregularities, is in court seeking nullification of the election, arguing that the exercise was conducted amidst an ongoing court process challenging the eligibility of one of the candidates, Mr. McDonald Igbadiwei who latter won the presidential election.
When the case came up on April 28, lead counsel to the plaintiff, Stanley Damabidei prayed the court to declare the April 13th election null and void, while Barr. Ebibenabo Okorodas, counsel to the president of the Ijaw national congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba questioned the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
Having listened to both parties, Justice Iniekenimi Uzaka adjourned the case to May 7.
When our correspondent went to the court on May 7 to follow up proceedings, it was learnt that the presiding judge, Uzaka has recused himself from the case following a letter of protest written by the INC president to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, citing possible bias on the part of the jungle.
The INC president in his letter argued that the judge could be biased since he (the judge) is a native of the same community with the complaint, Yanga.
Following the protest letter, it was learnt that the chief judge reassigned the case to Justice Michael Ekadei for continuation of the matter.
According to a reliable source, the case is fixed for hearing on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the State High Court, Ovom.
