Mike Edoukumor Appreciates Friends, Well Wishers Over Condolence Visit of Father's Death

I extend my sincerest gratitude for your thoughtful condolences upon the loss of my father, Pa  Stephen Edoukumor, on the 5th May, 2025.

Your kindness and support are deeply appreciated. And I am touched by the compassion and love shown during this challenging time. 

Your presence and the eloquent words of condolences have brought solace to me and the family. Once again, we say thank you for your heartfelt Sympathies. 

Thanks,

SME.

King Pereama Freetown Condoles with Snr. Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Funfeyin Over Death of his Mother

Hard to say goodbye. This condolence message is never thought of because everything that happened still appears like a dream. 

Well, such is life as much as we desired that our loved ones remain with us for as long. No one can determine how long they stay. 

Death comes like a thief and takes our beloved ones at will. May my condolence message and prayer bring comfort to the family of FUFEYIN. May Her Loving memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. 

104 years well spent on Earth, it's also a call for celebrations here on Earth and in Heaven.

You've gone out of our sight MAMA ASETU FUFEYIN  but you remain forever in our hearts.

FLY HIGH IN BETTER PLACE.... NO MORE SUFFERING,😭 NO MORE PAIN.😭

REST IN PEACE🙏 MAMA ASETU FUFEYIN. 

Signed:

King Pereama Freetown (JP), Numoupere ll of lzon-lbe.

American born cardinal Robert Francis emerges new Pope of the Catholic Church, his early life and background

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., is an American-born prelate who has recently been elected as the new Pope, becoming the first American to hold this position in the history of the Catholic Church.  

Early Life and Education

Born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Prevost comes from a family of French, Italian, and Spanish descent. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Villanova University and later earned a Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also holds a Licentiate and Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome.   

Religious Life and Missionary Work

In 1977, Prevost entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) and made his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest in 1982. His missionary journey took him to Peru in 1985, where he served in various capacities, including as chancellor of the Territorial Prelature of Chulucanas and later as director of formation and professor in Trujillo. His deep connection with Peru led to his naturalization as a Peruvian citizen in 2015.    

Leadership Roles

Prevost’s leadership within the Church is notable. He served as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order from 2001 to 2013. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, and subsequently as its bishop in 2015. His tenure in Peru was marked by pastoral care and administrative leadership.    

Vatican Appointment and Cardinalate

In January 2023, Prevost was appointed by Pope Francis as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a significant role responsible for overseeing the selection of bishops worldwide. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals in September 2023, receiving the title of Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Monica.  

Election as Pope

On May 8, 2025, Cardinal Prevost was elected as the new Pope, marking a historic moment as the first American to ascend to the papacy. His election reflects his extensive experience, cross-cultural pastoral work, and alignment with the vision of Pope Francis.  

Pope Prevost is known for his humility, missionary zeal, and commitment to serving marginalized communities, embodying the qualities of servant leadership that are central to the

IYC Western Zone to Mark 57th Boro Day Celebration May 16, in Warri

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, proudly announces the 57th edition of the Boro Day Celebration, set to take place in the city of Warri, Delta State.

Event Details:

Theme: The Genesis of the 12 Days Revolution Struggle: Our Pains and Gains in Retrospect

Date: Friday, May 16, 2025.

Venue: Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Expressway, Warri, Delta State

Activities Include:

A vibrant procession showcasing the spirit and resilience of the Ijaw people together with an insightful symposium reflecting on the legacy 

  the 12 Days Revolution

Join the IYC Western Zone (Delta, Edo & Ondo States) as we honour the life and legacy of Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro, remembering the sacrifices and celebrating the enduring struggle for justice and equity.

#BoroDay2025 #IjawYouthCouncil #IYC

*Announcer*

Tare Magbei

Information Officer, IYC Western Zone/Secretary 2025 Boro Day Committee.

2027: Stop distracting Tinubu with mischievous endorsement, Mulade tells political jobbers

Niger Delta, born human rights activist and development advocate, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has called on political job seekers to stop distracting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors from focusing on good governance to Nigerians.

The renowned peace and environmental justice advocate made the appeal at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, recently told Nigerians, particularly highly influenced individuals whom he alleged were doing so for their selfish interests to protect their political positions.

He said, "I appeal to highly placed Nigerians to stop distracting the President and Governors over 2027 general elections that is still over two years away, because of their selfish interest to protect their positions and contracts, to the detriment of our development.'

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West council area of Delta state, noted that President Tinubu has only done less than two years in office and is yet to deliver on his mandate, noting that such mischievous endorsements from political jobbers are not helping the President but only serving as source of distraction which he, Tinubu, does not need now.

"It is imperative to state that the President is barely about two years in office, and has not delivered on his electioneering promises, but he is being distracted by persons who are promoting their selfish interest rather than the good of the masses," he added.

The peace ambassador, therefore, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to rise above personal gains and to beware of actions that are detrimental to the well-being of the masses and the country.

He urged President Tinubu to be wary of eye service supporters and praise singers, and to beam his focus on the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration to end insecurity, hunger, bad governance, oppression of the masses and bad economy in Nigeria. It is worthy of note that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR does not need these distractive and mischievous political endorsements to be re-elected if he delivers on his promises to Nigerians.

Defection: "We are ready to receive your resignation letters"_Burutu PDP interim chairman, Agbor tells defectors

By Osaro Michael, Benin 

The Interim chairman of the People's Democratic Party, Burutu local government Area, Comrade Jackson Agbor has asked all defecting PDP members to the All Progressives Congress, APC to submit their letters of resignation at his Warri Secretariat, Delta State within this week.

The interim chairman, in a statement signed by himself in which a copy was sent to newsmen in Warri on Monday said the party attention was drawn to a defection by some leaders of the party, after enjoying all dividends of the party.

He said, "we understand that everyone has the right to make their own political choices, and we respect that.

However, we would like to remind our former party members that the PDP has been a home for many of us for years, and we have worked together to build a strong and united party. We are disappointed that some have chosen to leave.

"As a party, we are prepared to receive your resignation letters. We will process them accordingly and officially remove your names from our party's membership list. We thank you for your service and contributions to the PDP, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the people of Burutu. We will continue to work hard to improve the lives of our people and provide them with the necessary support and resources.

"Our party remains strong, and we will not waver in our efforts to uphold the values and principles that guide us.

To our remaining party members, we urge you to stay united and focused. Let us use this moment as an opportunity to strengthen our party and continue moving forward together. The PDP in Burutu is a family, and together, we can overcome any challenges that come our way.

"Thank you once again to all our former members, and we wish you the very best in your future endeavors," he added.

PDP is not just a political party but a movement for better governance in Delta -ex-Gov Okowa's aide, Austin Ozobo

By Monday Peters,  Abuja 

A prominent stakeholder of the People's Democratic Party, PDP and ex-aide to governor Ifeanyi Okowa on political matters in Delta State, Comrade Ozobo Austin has urged party members to reinforce their dedication to the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State as they navigate the complexities of the current political landscape in the state. He emphasised that unity and resilience are essential for meaningful progress, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the recent mass defections in the state.

This was contained in a statement which was signed by himself and a copy was sent to newsmen in Warri on Sunday.

The statement reads, “As we face an uncertain political climate, it is crucial for us to remain steadfast in our commitment to the PDP in Delta State. Our party has a rich history of championing the welfare of the people, and we must continue to uphold those values,"

Ozobo stated passionately, drawing from his extensive background as a former Special Adviser to the Delta State governor, he articulated that his experiences equip him with a deep understanding of governance and the pressing issues that afflict ordinary citizens in the country.

Ozobo pointedly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that their policies have not only failed to alleviate suffering but have exacerbated economic hardships and increased poverty levels across the nation. “The APC’s reign has seen a rise in unemployment, inflation, and social disarray. The citizens are struggling, and it is clear that the APC does not possess the requisite solutions to these critical challenges," he asserted.

He called on PDP members to engage actively with the activities of the party in Delta State in the building process of the party in the state.  “We must be the voice of the voiceless and stand as advocates for justice and equity. Our party must lead the charge in presenting tangible solutions that resonate with the daily realities faced by the people of Delta State,” he urged.

Ozobo also highlighted the importance of grassroots mobilization, encouraging party members to partake in outreach initiatives to reinforce support at the local level. He noted that the PDP’s vision for Delta State includes strategies aimed at economic growth, improved healthcare, education, and security, all sectors that have suffered under the current APC led administration.

He concluded by urging party members to remain hopeful and proactive, “Together, we have the power to bring about the change that our people desperately need. The PDP is not just a political party; it is a movement for better governance. Let us stand together and forge a path towards a brighter future for our state and for Nigeria.”

His call to action resonated deeply as party members acknowledged their collective responsibility in working towards a more just and prosperous society in the face of the recent defection.

THE YORUBAS ARE MASTERS OF POLITICS IN RELIGION_By: Anthony Dauyebo

To me, the Yorubas truly understand the politics among Nigerian religions. While other ethnic groups are bickering over whether African Tradition or Christianity or Islam is better than the other, the Yorubas quietly shuffled themselves with prominent personalities among those religions in a manner to encourage religious harmony.

For example, high-profile personalities like traditional rulers, Obafemi Awolowo, Wole Soyinka, the Kutis, Herbert Ogunde and others took charge of the African Tradition.

The likes of M.K.O Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others strategically organised themselves in the Islamic faith.

Then, Enoch Adeboye, William Kumuyi, David Oyedepo, Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, Tunde Bakare dominate the country's Christianity. These were the people who tacitly preached the sermon of "Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Presidential Ambition" long before the Muslim man (Tinubu) formally declared his intention.

As we prepare for the next general elections, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, accompanied by Gods of the Yorubas, has begun playing his role to ensure the reelection of their son, President Tinubu, though a Muslim. He just visited former President Goodluck Jonathan, probably to prevail on him to discard his rumoured ambition for Aso Rock.

For you to win any election in Nigeria that involves other ethnic groups, you must have a minimum of 80% of support from your ethnic group. That is how the Yorubas programmed themselves. I doubt if other ethnic groups in southern Nigeria have such cooperation.

ANTHONY E. DAUYEBO

4th May, 2025

Defection: Mulade Leads Delta Ijaws to Pay Consultative Visits to Delta PDP lnterim Chairman, Emmanuel Ogidi to Rebuild the Party

Following the defection of the Delta State governor Sheriff Oborevwori,his appointees and party executives from the People's Democratic Party, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Ijaw PDP leadership has paid a consultative visits to the leader of the party under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi at his country home, Ellu town in Delta State.

The delegation consist of influential figures from Bomadi, Burutu, Patani, Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West, local government Areas of Delta State, with a specific focused on fostering collaboration and rebuilding efforts within the party.

The visit, which was led by Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, was part of the ongoing consultation, commitment and dedication of the Ijaw leaders to restructure the People's Democratic Party in the Ijaw speaking local government Areas in the state.

The Ijaw PDP leadership unanimously passed a votes of confidence on the state party leader Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, adding that the Ijaw leadership would join hands with the party state leader to rebuild the party in the state.

In response, Ogidi reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the revitalization of the party, emphasising the importance of collective efforts and strategic planning.

Some of the leaders that were present in the visit include Chief Sheriff Mulade, PDP leader, Delta South, Comrade Ozobo Austin, PDP Leader Burutu, Amb, Monday Orua, PDP Leader, Warri South, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, PDP leader Warri North, Mr Jackson Agbor, PDP interim chairman in Burutu LGA, Chief Ebi Donbraye, PDP interim chairman Bomadi LGA, Mr Tam Okumbiri, PDP  Bomadi leader, Dr Piagha Oforgbor, Burutu PDP leader, Hon Wariebi Collins, PDP Leader Patani, Layefa Bekederemo, PDP Burutu stalwart, Amb. Prince Harrison, Burutu PDP stakeholder and Augustine Okporu, Burutu PDP stakeholder.

The Obaseki of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom, Chief. Eregbene calls on Delta ljaws to Work inline with Gov. Oborevwori to Achieve their Governorship Ambition Come 2031

Alhaji Eregbene made the statement on Friday 2nd May, 2025 in Warri when some ljaw PDP leaders paid him a visit at his private resident.

When addressing the Ijaw leaders, he said Sheriff defection is actualization of the dream Delta Ijaw people to affirm their governorship ambition come 2031.

High Chief Eregbene reafirmed that it is very important for Sheriff to win his second term ambition. 

Eregbene said Ijaws in Delta State should avoid anything that is capable of truncating the smooth running of power-shift in the governorship seat rotation arrangement. 

Ijaws and the good people of Delta South should give Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori unalloyed support so as to enable him rule his 8year. 

Those rebuilding PDP members in Ijaw land should take precautions. 

With Sheriff as Delta governor for 8years, Delta Ijaws are very optimistic come 2031 to produce the next governor.

So therefore, Delta ljaws should aviod anything that will truncate our cheerful future. 

Delta ljaws need to take proactive measures toward secure success.

Oborevwori lnspects Ayakoromo Bridge Project, Sets Early 2027 for its Completion

...Inspects Trans-Warri Bridges, Road, To Build Two Jetties

In a decisive move to fast-track infrastructural development and fulfill a promise to riverine communities, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced early 2027 as the definitive completion date for the Ayakoromo Bridge project. 

The Governor noted that the critical project had suffered years of uncertainty and delays, but stressed that he was committed to ensuring its completion as scheduled. 

He made this declaration during an inspection visit to the site of the Ayakoromo Bridge across the Forcados River, along with the 3km approach road at Egbo-Ide in Ughelli-South and Burutu local government areas. 

Governor Oborevwori emphasized the importance of the 612-metre long bridge comprising 18 spans with 24 metres between each span to the communities of Egbo-Ide and Ayakoromo. 

He added that although the contract was awarded before his administration, he ensured the contractor was remobilized to the site. 

"This project is very dear to me and the people. The contractor has set 2027 as the completion date, but we would be pleased if it is finished early 2027," he said. 

"I am confident the contractor will deliver as promised, but I have also directed them to accelerate the pace of work. This bridge is crucial for connecting surrounding villages.

"As you can see, the people are excited even though they were not informed of my visit. This shows how important the bridge is to the two communities and others in the area." 

Earlier, the Governor visited the Trans-Warri Road and Bridges Project in Warri South Local Government Area. 

He remarked that the project would enhance connectivity and create economic opportunities for both urban and rural dwellers. 

"This project is vital to our people because it connects us with those in rural areas and expands opportunities. 

"You saw how happy the people were as we arrived; elders and other villagers came out joyfully. This project is particularly important to the Itsekiri nation, which is why I am determined to see it through to completion. 

"I was here in September 2024, and I am back again for inspection. I believe that by early next year, this project will be inaugurated, as it has already been delayed for nearly 19 years.

"We will no longer tolerate delays beyond project timelines. Under our MORE Agenda, we have committed to doing more for Deltans, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," he said.

Governor Oborevwori announced the construction of two jetties in the area and explained that, due to the rainy season, the construction company is allowing the newly sand-filled areas to settle for road stability. 

He, however, urged the firm to accelerate work to ensure the project is completed within his first term in office.

Ooni of Ife Visits Goodluck Jonathan in Yenagoa, Hails Him as "Divine Gift to Humanity"

His Imperial Majesty, Ọọni of Ifẹ, Ọba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and his wife, Olori Ẹbunọla, paid a historic visit to former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. 

The monarch presented sacred Ifẹ bronze artifacts to Dr. Jonathan, praising him as “a divine gift to humanity,” while the Olori lauded Dame Patience Jonathan’s legacy of compassion.

The royal couple later visited Mama Eunice Jonathan’s residence in Otuoke, where they offered symbolic gifts in honor of Dr. Jonathan’s humble beginnings. 

The visit was witnessed by dignitaries including HRM King A.J. Turner, HRH David Osene Ogbolo, HRH Lucky Chukwuigwe, Hon. Robert Enougha Ayala, and others. The Ọọni revealed he had long anticipated meeting Dr. Jonathan, describing it as a moment of spiritual fulfillment.

Just-ln: NJC suspends Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division over Controversial Judgements

Justice lnyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja Division has been suspended for one year without pay. In addition, he was placed on the Council’s Watch List and barred from elevation for five years.

If Nigeria has judges like him just 5, the whole country would be on fire. This is a man who delivers judgement without listening to the other parties.

He's like Justice Okon Abang and former Justice, Justice Egbo Egbo! These characters are so corrupt that the court is a centre for cash and carry. They rule with impunity and feel they are untameable. They are tyrants in the temple of justice whose only mission is desecrating it and trampling on the rights of the weak and those who cannot afford their bills.

They shall continue to be disgraced by themselves and put into the dustbin of history...

Just-ln: Capt. William Ayagbene Elaweremi of Ayakoromo Passes on, as Engr. Kestin Pondi Mourns Father In-law Sudden Passage in Warri

Francis Tayor 

The family of Elaweremi in Ayakoromo community Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, where thrown into mourning as they losses their reverend octogenarian, Capt. William Ayagbene Elaweremi to the cold hands of death.

The news of the departure of Pa William Elaweremi to the great beyond was revealed in the early hours of Thursday 1st May, 2025 by the family.

The late Pa Elaweremi was the eldest man of the Ayakoromo community resident in warri, whose exemplary lifestyle affected many lives positively across the Niger Delta region while he was alive.

It will interest you to note that late Pa William Elaweremi is the father of Mrs. Blessing Pondi, the amazing first wife of High Chief. Engr. Kestin Pondi, the MD Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

Reacting to the sudden demise of his great father in-law, Engr. Kestin Pondi expressed shock, stressing that late Pa. William Elaweremi was a father figure to him and treated him like a son.

He send his heartfelt condolences to his lovely wife Blessing, her siblings and his wonderful mother in-law, Mrs . Beauty Elaweremi over the passing unto glory of Papa, while encouraging them to take solace in the word of God, adding that Papa is sleeping in the bosom of the Lord his creator.

Meanwhile, since the news of the death of Pa William Elaweremi broke out on Thursday morning, friends and well wishers and sympathizers of the Elaweremi family of Ayakoromo and the Pondi family of Sokebolou community in Ogulagha kingdom has been trooping in at the residence of the deceased at ljaw quarters Bendel Estate, Airport road Effurun Warri to condole with the family.

Meanwhile, Day one of the passage of Pa William Elaweremi featured Chief. Kingsley Takemebo alias the Mienkuro 1, as he musically consoled Chief. Mrs. Blessing Pondi and the entire Elaweremi family to take heart over the passing of their beloved father.

Among some of the great personalities present at the condolence visit includes; Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, MD Fenog/Vice Chairman Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator Presidential Amnesty Programme, the great son in-law ,Engr. Kestin Pondi, Chief. Godfrey Pondi, GM Operations Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, member representing Burutu Federal Constituency House of Reps Abuja, Chief. Kenneth Obogu, Chief. Barrister Smooth, Chief. Boro Opudu, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, member representing Burutu North Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Emomotimi Guwor, Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. George Ekpemupolo, Chief. Lucky Youbogha, Amb. Binebai Princewill, Spokesman lYC Worldwide, Chief. Ebimobowei Oguma among others.

Photo Credits_ The Liberator Newspaper..

Just-ln: Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Commend INEC Fieldwork Report, Urge the Electoral Umpire to Conclude the Fresh Delineation Exercise in Warri Federal Constituency Without Further Delay

Francis Tayor

In reaction to the INEC report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units as ordered by the Supreme Court in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, the ljaws and Urhobos of Warri has commended the independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the steps taken so far towards complying with the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency, while calling on the electoral umpire to conclude the process without further delay, stressing that any attempt to change the ljaw and Urhobo majority status in Warri North, Warri South-West and Warri South Local Government Areas respectively would be disastrous.

In a statement issued after a joint Press Briefing by the ljaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency on Wednesday 30th April, 2025 in Warri, and signed for on behalf of the ljaws and Urhobos of Warri, Hon. Denbo-Denbofa Oweikpodo, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, Hon. Arthur Akpodubakaye, Joel Bisina, PhD, Comrade Emmanuel lgetei, Chief. John Eranvor, Chief. Westham Adehor (JP), Olorogun Victor Okumagba (JP) and Hon. Mark Ikpuri has equivocally oppose to the agitation of the ltsekiri ethnic nationality to use non-existent register of voters as a basis to carry out the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units, adding that the agitation is against the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Guidelines dated the 21st day of March, 2024 and the essence of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units.

The ljaws and Urhobos of Warri emphasized that the primary consideration for the delineation of electoral wards and polling units is the population quota/number of inhabitants and other physical consideration of the areas concerned, adding that based on the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of wards and polling units, there is no longer any existing register of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency upon which any activity can be predicated upon.

They however, urged INEC to stick to the law and its Guidelines and not to succumb to the antics of ltsekiri blackmail and misleading agitations to rely on register of voters, rather on the field work carried out by INEC and other existing records which clearly revealed the majority population status of the ljaws and Urhobos in the Warri North, Warri South and Warri South-West LGAs respectively.

Read below full details of the statement:

IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI

April 30, 2025

JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI ON THE REPORT OF THE FIELD WORK ON THE FRESH DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL WARDS AND POLLING UNITS, AND THREATS TO PEACE AND SECURITY IN THE WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF DELTA STATE, THIS 30TH DAY OF APRIL, 2025.

Gentlemen of the press, this joint press conference was called by the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State consisting of Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas to state our joint position on the report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units as ordered by the Supreme Court and recent report of threat to peace and security arising from the fresh delineation. 

COMMENDATION AND CALL ON INEC TO CONCLUDE THE FRESH DELINEATION BEFORE ANY FUTURE ELECTORAL ACTIVITY IN COMPLIANCE WITH SUPREME COURT ORDER:

The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the steps taken so far towards complying with the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State. 

We note that, in a bid to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court order, the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality filed multiple suits in different Divisions of the Federal High Court of Nigeria. However, INEC has demonstrated its commitment and respect for the rule of law by taking necessary steps to comply with the Supreme Court order on the fresh delineation.  

In this respect, we welcome the release of the report of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation by INEC. We further note that, the report of the fieldwork by INEC confirms the obvious fact on ground, which is that, the Ijaws constitute the majority population in Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas, while the Urhobos constitute the majority population in Warri South Local Government Area. We commend INEC for standing by the truth and justice. 

We therefore call on INEC to complete the process of the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units in the Warri Federal Constituency and release its final decision without further delay.

It is the position of the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri that, there should not be any electoral activity including registration of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency without completion of the fresh delineation as ordered by the Supreme Court. Our position is predicated on the ground that, without completion of the fresh delineation exercise, there are no existing electoral wards and polling units upon which any electoral activity can be predicated upon, including registration of voters.

OUR POSITION ON THE ITSEKIRI CALL FOR THE USE OF VOTERS REGISTER TO CARRY OUT THE FRESH DELINEATION:

The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri note the agitation of the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality against the report of the field work on the basis that, the register of voters which existed before the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation ought to be used as a basis to carry out the fresh delineation. 

We equivocally oppose the agitation for the use of non-existent register of voters as basis to carry out the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The agitation is against the 1999 Constitution, as amended, the Electoral Act, 2022, the INEC Guidelines dated the 21st day of March, 2024 and the essence of the fieldwork on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. The primary consideration for the delineation of electoral wards and polling units is the population quota/number of inhabitants and other physical consideration of the areas concerned. 

Furthermore, it is our position that, based on the Supreme Court order on fresh delineation of wards and polling units, there is no longer any existing register of voters in the Warri Federal Constituency upon which any activity can be predicated upon. We therefore urge INEC to stick to the law and its Guidelines and not to succumb to the Itsekiri blackmail and misleading agitations to rely on register of voters. The field work carried out by INEC and other existing public records clearly revealed the majority population status of the Ijaws and Urhobos in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South LGAs respectively. 

Furthermore, the register of voters was not one of the items considered during the field work on the fresh delineation. Also, the Itsekiris have not complained that any of their communities or settlements was omitted in the report of the fieldwork presented by INEC. It therefore means that, the Itsekiri voter register based agitation against the INEC field work report is baseless and lacks any legal foundation. 

THREAT TO PEACE IN THE WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY OF DELTA STATE AND NIGER DELTA REGION:

The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri were shocked by the report of the arrest of persons, including a serving British Army Officer for illegally bringing in arms to instigate unrest in the Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State, so as to truncate the Supreme Court ordered fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. A Traditional Ruler in the Warri Federal Constituency and its close aides were allegedly involved and the said persons have not denied the report several days thereafter. 

We note that, the Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri were the primary target of those behind this dastardly act of stockpiling of arms. We therefore, commend the proactive efforts of the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) and sister security forces that carried out the covet operations leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. 

The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri call for detailed investigation and prosecution of the those behind this act of terrorism, irrespective of the position and class of the persons involved. We demand that, under no circumstances should this matter be swept under the carpet considering its grave implications on regional and national security. 

The office of the National Security Adviser is called upon to be transparent in the investigation and prosecution of the culprits. We demand that the Nigerian people, especially the people and residents of Warri Federal Constituency of Delta State deserve to have an official reaction from the government of Nigeria on the issue of illegal stockpiling of arms to instigate crisis in Warri.  

ITSEKIRI ATTEMPT TO INSTIGATE CRISIS AND BLACKMAIL INEC AND GOVERNMENT:

The Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri note the desperate attempts by the Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality to blackmail the Nigerian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to carry out the delineation on their terms and trying to instigate crisis in Warri. The Itsekiris have done this through attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations in some parts of Delta State, persistent media attacks on INEC and instigating some Yoruba Groups to issue reckless press statements. 

The Ijaws and Urhobos call on the Nigerian government to consider the attempt to disrupt oil and gas operations as a result of compliance with the order of the Supreme Court as an act of terrorism and bring the perpetrators to justice. We state that, Nigeria is not a Banana Republic where the orders of the Supreme Court would be obeyed at the pleasure and on the conditions of an ethnic group. All persons and authorities including the Federal Government is bound by the orders of the Supreme Court on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. Therefore, any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the judgment by attempting to attack national assets should be regarded as a threat to national security and the perpetrators brought to justice.

We condemn the reckless statement issued by some purported Pan Yoruba Groups where they threatened the peace and security of the Niger Delta region as a result of the Supreme Court ordered delineation. We are aware that all these threats are the desperate actions of some Itsekiri leaders and should be ignored by the government. 

We also call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu not to allow its office to be blackmailed by the Itsekiris in their desperate attempt to truncate the Supreme Court ordered delineation. Any attempt to frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on the fresh delineation is a direct invitation to anarchy by whoever that is involved. The Presidency must distant itself from any such act and allow INEC to carry out its functions in line with section 160 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as an independent agency of the federal government. 

The Federal Government should be reminded that the relocation of the Headquarters of Warri South West Local Government Area from Ogbe-Ijoh to Ogidigben, which was instigated by the Itsekiris led to the fratricidal war in Warri from 1997 to 2003 which snowballed into the Niger Delta crisis. Therefore, we warn against any attempt to change the Ijaw and Urhobo majority status in Warri North, Warri South West and Warri South Local Government Areas, respectively as revealed by the INEC report of its field work on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and polling units. 

SIGNED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI:

IJAW:

HON. DENBO-DENBOFA OWEIKPODOR.

COMRADE SHERIFF MULADE.

HON. (CHIEF) ARTHUR AKPODUBAKAYE.

JOEL BISINA, PhD.

COMRADE EMMANUEL IGETEI.

URHOBO:

CHIEF JOHN ERANVOR.

CHIEF WESTHAM ADEHOR, JP.

OLOROGUN VICTOR OKUMAGBA, JP.

HON. MARK IKPURI.