Breaking
Brazen Violence: Itskeri Gunmen Wreak Havoc on Ijaw Youths
By Benedict Binebai
The brazen audacity of Itskeri gunmen has reached a boiling point. Caught red-handed transporting arms, these mercenaries have once again resorted to threats of violence, leaving a trail of fear and intimidation in their wake. Their actions are a stark reminder of the lawlessness that has taken hold in certain regions, where might seems to make right, and accountability is a distant dream.
The Ijaw communities, who have long been subjected to blackmail and antagonism by lovers of imperialism , are now faced with the harsh reality of their actions. Every Ijaw high official in government has been targeted by their enemies who use their influence to campaign against the withdrawal of contracts given to Ijaw people. It is a twisted game of cat and mouse, where the rules are dictated by the barrel of a gun, and the innocent are caught in the crossfire.
The recent brutal shooting and and murder of two young Ijaw people in Delta State, warri, has sent shockwaves through the community. The destruction of the Ogbe Ijaw kingss celebration banners in Warri, is a blatant affront to the cultural heritage of the Ijaw people. It is a sacrilegious disrespect and violation of ancestral and cultural dignity of the great Ogbe- Ijaw warri King. The perpetrators, emboldened by their actions, seem to be flaunting their disregard for the law, the traditions and the well-being of the people.
As the authorities grapple with the aftermath of these violent acts, it is imperative that they take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The people of Ijaw deserve to live without fear of violence and intimidation, and it is the duty of those in power to ensure that their rights are protected. The clock is ticking, and the world is watching.
The Ijaw-Itsekiri-Urhobo conflict in Warri and over Warri land has taken many lives for generations running, destroyed properties, and constantly led to ethnic hatred, loss of love, progress, and peace amongst the youth world. This situation is caused by disrespect for law, compromise, and bad sense of justice on the part of the powers that be.
War and violence pose numerous dangers, including loss of human life, destruction of infrastructure, displacement, psychological trauma, economic devastation, human rights abuses, environmental damage, and long-term consequences. Those who fan the embers of war bring destruction and death to innocent people. War has its hydra-headed dangers, multiplying threats and making it nearly impossible for anyone to stop its devastating consequences once it begins.
Examples of ethnic wars and their effects can be seen globally. The Rwandan Genocide, for instance, resulted in the loss of over a million lives, while the Bosnian War left deep scars on the Balkan region. The ongoing conflict in Syria has displaced millions and caused immense human suffering. Similarly, the ethnic violence in Myanmar has led to a massive refugee crisis. These examples demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of ethnic conflicts and the urgent need for peaceful resolution.
The government of Nigeria, Delta State, Warri Federal Constituency, and the ethnic nations that own Warri need peace for economic stability and progress. When conspiracy and falsehood are criminally celebrated beyond the legendary voices of law and justice, violence dances vigorously and lastingly. It’s time for leaders to prioritise peace, justice, and the well-being of their citizens over personal and group interests.
The resilience of the Ijaw people in the face of such adversity is a testament to their strength and determination. Despite the challenges they face, they remain steadfast in their pursuit of peace and prosperity. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial that all stakeholders come together to find a lasting solution based on declared truth and historical justice to the crisis. The future of the Ijaw community, and indeed the entire region, depends on it.
Photo credit: Ogbe-Ijoh Media
Breaking
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE: NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR AMUPITAN AS INEC CHAIRMAN
The National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.
President Tinubu told the council that Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.
Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.
In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.
Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi State, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university.
He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.
Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967.
After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.
He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.
Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.
Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).
Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).
Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).
He is married and has four children.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
October 9, 2025
By: Divine Perezide
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed media reports suggesting that it has suspended the Delineation of Electoral Wards in Warri Federal Constituency, covering Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North Local Government Areas.
The rebuttal followed a report by the Punch Newspaper claiming that an INEC official had hinted at a suspension in connection with the Supreme Court judgement of December 2, 2022. INEC clarified such reports were misleading.
In a statement issued on Sunday, INEC emphasized “the commission has not taken any decision regarding the delineation exercise in the Warri Federal Constituency. Reports alleging suspension are inaccurate and do not reflect the position of INEC.
The Commission noted that it remains committed to upholding the Supreme Court judgment but insisted that due process and broad consultation must guide every step of the delineation process.
A senior Electoral Officer, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, stressed that INEC’s mandate cannot be subjected to misrepresentation. “We must be clear: no suspension has been declared. What we have is an ongoing consultation process to ensure compliance with legal and constitutional provisions,” he stated.
The Supreme Court ruling of December 2022 had directed INEC to ensure fair representation of all ethnic nationalities within the Warri Federal Constituency by reviewing and delineation wards accordingly.
INEC assured stakeholders, particularly in Delta State, that it would communicate its position at the appropriate time, adding that it remains committed to transparent and credible Electoral Reforms.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced the withdrawal of services at Dangote Refinery and all Oil Installations following what it described as the unlawful dismissal of more than 80 of its members.
In a statement released by the union, the PENGASSAN condemned whT it termed “Dangote Refinery unilateral action to sack ova 800 members of our association for joining our union,” BBC Pidgin reported.
The association further described the move as “an affront to all workers for Nigeria and deliberate violation of Nigeria labour laws, di Constitution, and ILO convention.”
The mass sack has drawn significant concerns across labour circles, with PENGASSAN warning that such practices could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of workers in the country’s oil and gas sector.
Reacting to the development, Dangote Refinery said it had taken necessary steps within the boundaries of law and industrial practice. While the company the company did not provide a detailed explanation for the dismissal, it insisted its actions were guided by operational realities.
Labour watchers say the dispute could escalate into a major confrontation unless urgent mediation is initiated by the federal government via the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The refinery, commissioned to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s energy sector, now faces its first major labour crisis since operations began.