Ignore brewing Warri Crisis, complete Warri Federal Ward Delineation, Warri Indigenous Ijaw, Urhobo tell INEC
Ignore brewing Warri Crisis, complete Warri Federal Ward Delineation, Warri Indigenous Ijaw, Urhobo tell INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has been asked to ignore the recent brewing Warri crisis and complete the Warri federal ward delineation.
Representatives of the Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo of Warri federal Constituency made the call on Monday during a world press briefing in Warri.
A prominent Son of Okere Urhobo kingdom, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, who read the position of the group, stated that the Ijaws and Urhobos in Warri federal constituency will not participate in the ongoing continuous voter registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, stressing that INEC wants to disenfranchise them.
The group stated that it is criminal, illegal and contemptuous of the Supreme Court judgement for INEC to proceed with the registration of voters in Warri Federal Constituency, as there is no longer the existence of electoral wards and units upon which the ongoing voter registration can stand.
The representatives of the Indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo in Warri Federal Constituency further noted that since April 4, 2025, when INEC held a meeting with stakeholders in Warri and presented copies of the draft report to all parties concerned, the commission has yet to publish the final report.
Instead, they said, INEC has moved ahead to commence preparations for future elections.
In their separate remarks, Chief Godspower Gbenakama, Dr Joel Bisina, Reverend Samuel Ako, Chief Emmanuel Sekondi, Chief John Eranvor, amongst others, called on INEC to immediately release and implement the report painstakingly embarked upon by stakeholders.
The representatives stated that they are capable of shutting down oil operations in their areas, but as peace-loving people, they will use all necessary democratic processes to fight for what is right.
The Full statement of the Press briefing Reads ;
A WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE INDIGENOUS IJAW AND URHOBO PEOPLE OF WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY ON THE SUPREME COURT ORDERED FRESH DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL WARDS AND THE ONGOING CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION (CVR).
Distinguish ladies and gentlemen of the press. All entities and states that cherish and champion human rights, freedom and liberty, and all people of goodwill and democratic conscience in the World, we welcome you to this press conference.
It is with great sadness, yet unbroken resolve, that we, the undersigned representatives of the INDEGENOUS Ijaw and Urhobo People of Warri Federal Constituency bring to your attention the alarming plan of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undermine and debase the rule of law, suppress and strangulate our fundamental democratic rights to participate in the electoral processes, and unconscionably deal a death blow to democracy in Warri, Delta State.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Former military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar established the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in 1998 with Justice Ephraim Akpata as chairman. The erudite jurist had the mandate of conducting the transitional elections from the military to civil rule that ushered in the 4th republic on May 29, 1999 with chief Olusegun Obasanjo as president of Nigeria.
The gerrymandering upon which the 1999 general election was conducted in Warri Federal Constituency was grossly skewed against the Ijaw and the Urhobo indigenous peoples of Warri Federal Constituency. Disappointedly, complaints were made to INEC.
INEC, in its post-election assessment report, made stunning and significant admission and regret of its lawlessness in the electoral processes as follows:
“We INEC are not unaware that some of the previous exercises (wards delineation) did not follow the relevant laws and guidelines, resulting in the skewed results in some instances. These were obviously designed to satisfy certain selfish interest. Such imbalances will be redressed using laid-down criteria” (INEC report of activities August, 1998 to December 1999).
Furthermore, INEC noted the following:
“In the federation, the exercise of (electoral constituency delineation) did not hold in almost 31 wards that cut across Ilaje LGA in Ondo State, Takun LGA IN Taraba State, Warri South-West LGA in Delta State and Toto LGA in Nasarawa State”. (INEC report of activities, August 1998 to December 1999, page 34 paragraph 5)
Distinguish members of the global press and advocates for human rights and democratic principles, it is important to draw your attention to the fact that it is the failure of INEC to address these imbalances that led to the Warri crisis, which unfolded in two phases:
1997-1999 and 2002-2003, involving conflicts between Ijaw and Itsekiri, and Urhobo and Itsekiri.
We are compelled to revisit the precise words of chief Gani Fawewhinmi, a stalwart champion of democracy who aptly captured the essence of INEC’s trajectory as follows: “Believe it or not, INEC is far gone on the path of bringing disaster to our beloved country that, it is very doubtful if it can turn back” presidential candidate, National Conscious Party (NCP) 2003.
SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT AND INEC DELAYED IMPLEMENTATION OF REPORT
After INEC’S damning admission of lawlessness in gerrymandering Warri, which led to crisis and failure to fulfil promises to rectify ward delineation in balances, affected leaders in Warri Sought judicial recourse. In Suite No. SC/413/2016, Hon George U. Timinimi and ors VS INEC, the Hon Justice Uwani Musa Abba Aji, Jsc in the following words at page 2 of judgement re-articulated fact in issue, inter alia
“The Appellant case is that the Respondent, who is statutorily empowered to delineate local governments in Nigeria into wards and units for the purposes of conducting elections into to elective offices have not properly delineated the Warri South-West, Warri South and Warri North local government areas of Delta State in accordance with statutory requirements. That consequent upon the failure, there exist fictitious wards and units used as instruments of electoral manipulation and subversion of the popular wish of the people during elections”.
The above point was further reiterated by Hon Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun Jsc, now chief justice of Nigeria (CJN) as follows
“It is their contention that there are in existence fictitious wards, that in some instances, multiple wards are located in sparsely populated areas while the wards and units in some other areas are inadequate vis-à-vis the population. It is also contended that the registration of voters in some instances were done in private homes. On the whole, the failure of the respondent to deliberately carry out its statutory duty in this regard has led to a series of irregularity in the process of voter’s registration which in turn will affect the outcome of any future elections negatively”.
It is on the basis of the foregoing that, the supreme of Nigeria on the 2nd of December, 2022 ordered INEC as follows
“AN ORDER of this honourable court compelling the defendant, its agents, servants, privies and assigns to conduct a fresh delineation of all that electoral wards/polling units for Warri South-West, Warri North and Warri South local government areas of Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State for the purpose of future elections”.
In compliance with the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation, INEC held several critical stakeholders meetings with representatives of the indigenous ethnic groups in Asaba, the Delta State capital. Specifically, INEC held a stakeholder meeting on February 2, 2023, to inform stakeholders of the judgement delivered in George Timinimi & Nine ors vs the INEC and pleaded that they should be allowed to complete the 2023 electoral process which had started before the judgement was delivered, a plea stakeholder obliged INEC. A follow-up stakeholders meeting was held on the 4th of April,2023 where presentations were made on the guidelines for the field exercise by INEC. These stakeholders’ meetings culminated into weeks of stakeholders and INEC field works upon which a report was presented to stakeholders on the 4th of April 2025 in Asaba, the Delta State capital for review, with an expected proofread version incorporating minor corrections. Five months after the presentation, INEC has not been able to publish the final report, rather they have decided to commence a future election process in gross violation of the Supreme Judgement. We are fully convinced that INEC seemingly compromised independence, lack of resolve, and vulnerability to selfish external influence has delayed the release and implementation of this crucial report, which is vital to defining and enhancing the democratic participation of the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency.
OUR POSITION
That the Supreme Court ordered judgment drawn upon INEC to delineate fresh wards and units in Warri presupposes that hitherto existed wards were flawed and does not satisfy statutory requirement for credible future elections,
That in the Supreme Court ordered judgement on INEC, the operative words are to “conduct fresh delineation” in the eyes of the law, there are no longer in existence electoral wards and units in Warri until the fresh exercise is concluded.
That it is criminal, illegal and contemptuous of the Supreme Court judgement by INEC, proceeding with the registration of voters in Warri Federal Constituency as there are no longer in existence electoral wards and units upon which the ongoing voter’s registration can stand. According to Lord Denning in the landmark case of UAC Vs McToy (1963) “You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand”.
OUR IRREVOCABLE DEMAND AND CONCLUSION
INEC should immediately release and implement the report painstakingly embarked upon by stakeholders.
We shall not idly standby and watch our democratic rights and franchise fretted away by INEC’s lawlessness and disastrous irresponsibility. A stitch in time saves nine.
Signed
Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP, Hon. Deinbofa Oweikpodor
Dr Joel Bisina, Dr Paul Bebenimibo
Chief Arthur Akpodubakaye, Rev. Samuel Ako, Chief Emmanuel Sekondi, Hon. Frank Pukon, Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP), Chief David Reje
Comrade (Mrs) Margaret Ikinbor, Chief Monday Keme, Chief John Eranvor, Chief Sylvester Femi Okumagba
Chief Wilson Ogbodu and
Chief Mrs Ann Gagiyovwi, JP.
Mogaji Rotimi Alli congratulates new Olubadan: Oba Rashidi Ladoja
Mogaji Rotimi Alli congratulates new Olubadan: Oba Rashidi Ladoja
Mogaji Olurotimi Alli has congratulated the incoming Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja who ascended the throne of his ancestors.
Mogaji Alli who represents ile Alli Balogun , Idi-Omo Oja’ba Ibadan on behalf of his family described the 44th Olubadan as a peace-loving and selfless personality whose endurance and patience contributed in no small measure to his glorious ascension to the throne.
Mogaji Alli noted that Oba Adewolu Ladoja carried extraordinary grace as he was the first Olubadan that was a former Senator, a former Governor and now the monarch of the ancient but great city of Ibadanland.
In a congratulatory message signed personally by Mogaji Alli, who also is the President of Ibadan Social Group and Chairman of Ibadan Football Council , he prayed for long life and good health for the new king..
Mogaji Alli expressed optimism that going by Oba Ladoja’s antecedents as an industrialist and seasoned administrator with uncanny leadership skills, the wealth of experience garnered in public service and business world would bring glory, prosperity and development to the City during his reign.
We’re the only ethnic group that can stop crude oil production in Nigeria – Chief Gbenekama declares
We’re the only ethnic group that can stop crude oil production in Nigeria – Chief Gbenekama declares
The Spokesman (Fiyewei) of the great Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA, Delta State, High Chief Dr. God’spower Gbenekama JP, has declared that the only ethnic group in Nigeria that can stop crude oil production is the Ijaw ethnic group.
Chief Gbenekama made this declaration on Monday, August 25, during a live TV broadcast of a world press conference on the INEC Ward Delineation exercise for Warri Federal Constituency, the three Warri LGAs of Delta State.
While he reminded INEC to do the needful by implementing the Ward Delineation already concluded, Chief Gbenekama reiterated that the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency are calling on the INEC to do the needful and allow the already concluded process to be implemented.
Chief Gbenekama averred that for peace and advancement of Warri Federal Constituency, implementation of the INEC Ward Delineation should be done without further delay from the electoral umpire.
The world press conference was held in joint collaboration with the indigenous Ijaws of Warri Federal Constituency, as well as the indigenous Urhobos of Warri in Warri Federal Constituency.
Court Adjourns Criminal Case Against RCCG Pastor Ogbogho Sunday To November
Court Adjourns Criminal Case Against RCCG Pastor Ogbogho Sunday To November
The Magistrates’ Court sitting in Asaba has adjourned to November 7, 2025, the criminal trial of Pastor Sunday Ogbogho of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who is facing prosecution for allegedly assaulting a journalist with tools including a spanner.
Pastor Ogbogho was arraigned before Magistrate Court 4, Asaba, on August 11, 2025, over attack on journalist Kenneth Orusi at No. 5 Elder Ediale Street, off Ibusa Road, Asaba, inflicting head injuries including teeth bite on July 27, 2025.
The case is filed under Case File No. 367/2025 with Mr. Alex Ibe appearing as police prosecutor.
The charge, read in open court, accuses Ogbogho of committing an offence contrary to Section 355 of the Criminal Code, which prescribes punishment for assault occasioning harm. The cleric, however, pleaded not guilty.
Defence counsel, identified as Chris, told the court that Ogbogho is a landlord in Asaba and presented a surety, Engineer Pastor Edih Commissioner, who serves as Director of Operations at the Delta State Direct Labour Agency (DLA).
But the Magistrate expressed reservations about accepting sureties from field officers in government agencies, warning that such officials often prove difficult to trace if defendants jump bail.
“When you take someone on bail, you are telling the court you will ensure they attend trial until the case is disposed of. We have had cases where sureties vanish when defendants abscond,” the Magistrate cautioned.
Despite the reservations, the court granted bail to Pastor Ogbogho in the sum of ₦500,000 with one surety in like sum.
The surety, the court directed, must be a civil servant of at least Grade Level 12 and provide a valid ID, appointment and promotion letters, a current payslip, sworn affidavit, and must also undergo residence verification by both the court and police officers.
In a stern reminder, the Magistrate stressed that “justice is not for sale,” warning against attempts to bribe court staff, lawyers, or middlemen who might claim influence over judicial proceedings.
The matter was initially fixed for August 25, 2025, but has now been adjourned to November 7, 2025, due to the absence of the Police Prosecutor, Alex Ibe, for continuation of hearing.
Overcrowding: Ogun Govt Ends Free Entry to Olumo Rock and this is why
Overcrowding: Ogun Govt Ends Free Entry to Olumo Rock and this is why
The Ogun State Government has announced that the free entry initiative at the newly renovated Olumo Rock Tourist Complex will officially come to an end on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the government expressed appreciation to residents, tourists, and visitors for what it described as an overwhelming and unprecedented turnout during the free entry period.
According to the statement, the initiative was introduced by Governor Dapo Abiodun to allow the public to rediscover and appreciate the cultural and historical significance of Olumo Rock after its renovation. It added that the objective had been fully achieved, with thousands of visitors taking advantage of the gesture
“In view of this, and in line with government’s priority to safeguard lives, His Excellency has directed that the free entry initiative will come to an end on Saturday, 23rd August, 2025. Thereafter, normal access procedures will resume,” the statement read.
The Ogun State Government further assured the public of its continued commitment to ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for all visitors to the Olumo Rock Tourist Complex.
Tactical Rebirth: Lobi Stars Hold High-level Preseason Seminar In Makurdi
Tactical Rebirth: Lobi Stars Hold High-level Preseason Seminar In Makurdi
As part of strategic preparations for the upcoming 2025/2026 football season, Lobi Stars Football Club held a captivating and highly interactive seminar on Monday, 25th August 2025 at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi.
The session, organized and led by the club’s Technical Adviser, Coach Abubarka Bala, brought together players, coaches, and backroom staff in a united atmosphere of learning, dialogue, and technical refinement.
Coach Bala drilled the team on key tactical principles, including overall team strategy and group coordination, aimed at ensuring the team leaves nothing to chance in their pursuit of a return to the top flight.
The seminar was further enriched by the contribution of Chief Coach, Benedict Atule, who charged the squad to remain focused and fully committed.
In a show of support, Benue State FA Chairman, Barr. Paul Edeh, welcomed Coach Bala and urged total cooperation from the players and staff to ensure the club’s success.
He also issued a strong reminder on the league’s stance against betting and reaffirmed his belief in the team’s potential to secure promotion.
Barr. Edeh donated gloves and boots to standout talents from the State League who are now playing with the club and assured the team that McCarthy Stadium will be ready for action before the season kicks off.
Also present was Dr. Iorngulum Malu, Secretary of Lobi Stars and the State FA, and the Team Manager, Lawrence Adoga who all lent their voices to the club’s rising momentum.
Delta @ 34: Mulade tasks Oborevwori on riverine development, kicks against lavish celebration
**Urges Him to Emulate former Gov James Onanefe Ibori
As Delta State is set to mark its 34th anniversary, a renowned peace and environmental rights advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff PhD has tasked Governor Sherifff Oborevwori-led government to give special focus to the infrastructural deficit in riverine communities in the State which he alleged, have been totally “deprived and neglected” inspite of the huge revenue acruals through the petroleum sector and the blue economy.
Mulade made the call while offering his congratulations to Governor Oborevwori and Deltans ahead of the remarkable occasion of the State’s 34th anniversary on August 27, 2025.
In the congratulatory message, Mulade felicitates with governor Oborevwori on the giant strides his administration is making in the State and also applauded Deltans for the relative peace, unity as well as the progress that has been achieved since its creation in 1991.
He said, “Permit me to specially felicitate with Your Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State on this momentous occasion of Delta State at 34, and the giant strides of your governance of our dear Delta State.
“It is exactly 34 years today that Delta State was created, and I celebrate not just our 34th Anniversary and togetherness as a people, but the relative peace, unity and progress we have witnessed and enjoyed in the past 34 years. We celebrate our founding fathers and the grace of God that has kept us together as one indivisible state, in spite of our cultural, linguistic, and environmental diversity,” he noted.
However, the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom lamented the deliberate neglect and marginalisation of the riverine population through infrastructural deficit, and appealed to governor Oborevwori to follow in the steps of its former predecessor, governor James Onanefe Ibori, to change the narrative by embarking on major roads and bridges so as to write his name in gold.
“It is quite unfortunate that the riverine communities mainly dominated by the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities are totally deprived and neglected in spite of their huge resource contribution through oil and gas as well as blue economy which is the main stay of the State’s economy,” Mulade lamented.
Continuing, he added, “I therefore urge Gov Sheriff Oborevwori to emulate His Excellency, Chief James Onanafe Ibori, who is the only governor that gave sense of belonging to the Ijaws and Itsekiri’s by constructing the Bomadi and Omadino bridges that linked the hinterland to the upland at the peak of the Niger Delta crisis with dwindling economy.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should commence the construction of Ayakoromo bridge and Omadino road connecting Okerenkoko, Pepe-ama, Ekpemu, Akpata, Ogidadinor, Edeuba and Kokodiagbene communities in Burutu and Warri South-West LGA’s respectively in Delta State to write and print his name in the heart of Deltans, particularly the Ijaws and Itsekiris.
“Speaking further, just as the governor did in education in the upland, he should convert the former Delta State School of Marine Technology in Burutu which was politically upgraded to a moribound polytechnic in 2023, to a university or campus of the Delta State University, Abraka, Southern Delta University, Ozoro, or the Delta State University of Education, Agbor with a special focus on maritime to harness the blue economy, because state polytechnics are no longer a standard basis of education in the country,” he asserted
Mulade also advise the governor not to be tempted to lavish the State’s resources on unnecessary jamboree in the name of the 34th anniversary of the State’s creation, but to instead, channel such funds into flagging-off meaningful projects towards industrialisation of the State that will create employment opportunities for our teeming youths.
“I wish to strongly advise Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to change the narrative of celebrating the state creation with taxpayers’ money in political funfair, which is a waste of resources, but His Excellency should rather use Delta State at 34 to flag-off construction of economically viable projects such as the Ayakoromo bridge and the Omadino-Okerenkoko-Kokodiagbene road, among others alongside the recent approved flyovers at Agbor and Ughelli.
“In this respect, i wish to place on a particular note, that the effort of your Excellency on the towering human capital and infrastructural revolution in some parts of the State, is evidential. However, the riverine communities need to experience significant and economically valuable infrastructural projects that will be commemorate with her revenue contributions.
In his commendation to Deltans, he said, “Let me cease this medium to salute Deltans, past and present leaders for their commitment to statehood, the development strides, and the strengthening of our democracy. And to Deltans, we appreciate your spirit of resilience and commitment to building a state of our dream and sustaining the vision of our founding fathers,” he added.
Coach Suleiman Dogo Hails El-Kanemi Warriors FC Performance in NPFL 2025/2026 Season Opener
Coach Suleiman Dogo Hails El-Kanemi Warriors FC Performance in NPFL 2025/2026 Season Opener
El-Kanemi Warriors FC got their 2025/2026 NPFL campaign off to a strong start with a solid 2-0 win over Bendel Insurance FC, and head coach Kabiru Suleiman Dogo couldn’t hide his satisfaction with the performance.
Speaking after the Match Day 1 encounter, the highly experienced technical adviser praised his players’ execution, discipline, and work ethic on the pitch.
“The boys played exactly to instructions,” Coach Dogo said. “What we do in training was exactly what they showed on the field ,discipline, dedication, and commitment. I’m truly impressed, and I believe, in Sha Allah, we will continue to give our best throughout the season.”
Coach kabiru Suleiman Dogo also extended appreciation to the passionate El-Kanemi Warriors supporters:
“I want to personally thank the El-Kanemi Warriors Supporters Club and our global fanbase for the trust you’ve placed in me. Without you, there is no football. As GAGA always says, ‘You are the best fans in the world.’ Let’s continue to pray for victories and an injury-free season.”
The Dogo-led El-Kanemi Warriors will now shift focus to Match Day 2, where they travel to take on Ikorodu City in what promises to be another tough fixture in the NPFL 2025/2026 season.
Afrobasket25: Hosts Angola Lifts 12th Male Title Beat Mali 70-43
