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The regent of Belema community in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royalty, King (Dr) Anyanate Kio(Atabalaye Dia III), has won the position of National Secretary of the apex Ijaw sociocultural organisation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC).
National Wire which monitored the April 13th, 2026 national executive council (NEC) elections of the body reports that the Belema regent polled a total 284 votes, making 51.8% of the total votes cast to defeat his closet rival, High Chief Philip Brown Agu with 226 votes, giving him cumulative 41.2%.
Surv. Eneyo Athanasius Emmanuel garnered 38 votes, making him score a distance 6.9% of the total votes cast for the same position.
Speaking shortly after receiving his certificate of return, the monarch dedicated his victory to Ijaw people world over.
He stressed that his landslide win was made possible by the numerous Ijaws whose lives have been impacted by his contributions to societal peace and development.
Kio, until his election was the Leader of the National Representatives Council(NRC), of the INC.
He said: “In my tenure as scribe of the the INC, I would continue to tow the path of peace and development in Ijaw land. It is my desire to forge stronger synergy with all members of NEC, and other strata of the INC.
“I’m dedicating this victory to the great people of Ijaw nation. Without them this victory wouldn’t have come. This victory is in recognition of my great contributions to the peace and progress of Ijaw nation.
“When you’re given a task to handle and you do it well, it’s expected that this sort of reciprocation would come. I thank all delegates and Ijaws for the confidence reposed in my by turning in their votes to make me win this election”.
