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OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA, THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC
Warri Cannot Be Held Hostage, Publish the Supreme Court–Ordered Delineation Result Now
Date: 17/3/2023
From: Concerned Elders of Warri Federal Constituency
We, the Concerned Elders of Warri Federal Constituency, write with deep anger, heavy concern and a profound sense of responsibility to history and justice over the continued and unjustifiable delay by the Independent National Electoral Commission in announcing the final ward delineation result for Warri Federal Constituency, despite the clear and binding judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in SC/CV/1033/2022.
We must state clearly that the Supreme Court of Nigeria is the final authority on matters of law in this country. Its decisions are not advisory opinions. They are binding orders that every institution created under the Constitution must obey without hesitation or delay.
The Constitution itself leaves no room for ambiguity. Section 287(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) provides that the decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in every part of the Federation by all authorities and persons.
INEC is a creation of the Constitution and therefore cannot place itself above the Constitution. The Commission does not possess the authority to determine which judgments of the Supreme Court it will obey and which it will indefinitely postpone.
Yet what we are witnessing in Warri today is a troubling display of institutional hesitation that undermines the very foundation of the rule of law.
The Supreme Court ordered a proper delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency. INEC carried out the exercise. Officials visited communities across the constituency. Geographic and demographic realities were examined. Boundaries were assessed and verified.
The work ordered by the highest court of the land has already been completed. But the Nigerian public is still waiting for the final result, this silence is unacceptable.
As elders who have witnessed the political history of Warri over many decades, we know too well that peace in our region depends on fairness, transparency and respect for justice. Any action that suggests manipulation, secrecy or delay in a matter of representation will inevitably generate suspicion and tension among communities.
Electoral wards form the foundation of democratic representation. Without a properly defined and publicly known ward structure, the legitimacy of any future electoral process in Warri Federal Constituency becomes questionable, democracy cannot operate only uncertainty.
The Supreme Court judgment was intended to restore balance and fairness in the electoral structure of Warri Federal Constituency. The delineation exercise was therefore not a favour to any group but a constitutional correction designed to ensure that representation reflects present realities, suppressing or delaying the result defeats the purpose of that judgment and undermines the authority of the Supreme Court itself.
We must also remind the nation that the history of Warri is deeply documented in colonial administrative records and scholarly works on the Niger Delta. British colonial intelligence reports and township administrative records from the early twentieth century described Warri as a region of interconnected riverine communities engaged in trade, navigation and settlement long before modern political boundaries were imposed.
Scholars such as Professor J. F. Ade Ajayi, Professor E. J. Alagoa and P. A. Talbot have documented the long-standing socio-political organization of communities across the creeks and coastal territories of the Niger Delta.
These historical realities demonstrate that Warri’s stability has always depended on fairness in governance and representation.
When lawful processes designed to correct electoral imbalances are delayed without explanation, the consequences extend beyond politics. They touch on peace, trust and the credibility of national institutions.
We must also express our concern that the prolonged silence surrounding this matter is creating the perception that powerful interests opposed to the publication of the delineation result are exerting pressure on the Commission. If this perception is allowed to grow unchecked, it will severely damage the reputation and independence of INEC.
Across Nigeria, when the Supreme Court delivers judgments affecting electoral structures or governance, institutions move quickly to comply. That is the essence of a democracy governed by law.
Why then must Warri be treated differently?
Why must a judgment of the Supreme Court become an endless waiting process?
Every additional day of silence deepens suspicion, fuels anxiety and places unnecessary strain on the fragile peace of Warri Federal Constituency.
Nigeria cannot afford to repeat the painful conflicts that once affected the Warri region. Responsible leadership must work to remove tension, not prolong uncertainty.
For this reason, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to intervene immediately. The Presidency, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the National Assembly must ensure that the judgment of the Supreme Court is respected and implemented without further delay. The rule of law must remain the guiding principle of governance in Nigeria.
We therefore demand that the Independent National Electoral Commission immediately publish the final ward delineation result for Warri Federal Constituency in full compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court. Transparency is the only path to restoring confidence in this process.
The people of Warri Federal Constituency are not asking for privilege. We are asking for justice. We are asking for obedience to the Constitution. We are asking for respect for the authority of the Supreme Court.
INEC must act now.
Justice delayed for Warri is justice denied for Nigeria.
Signed:
Chief Tiemopere Joshua ~ President
Chief Ebikeke T. Goodstime ~ Secretary
Concerned Elders of Warri Federal Constituency
Cc
The National Security Adviser NSA
The Governor
Delta State
The Chairman
National Human Rights Commission
Civil society organizations involved in democracy and elections.
By Tama Peretengboro
The management of Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, has expelled students involved in a bullying and physical assault incident captured in a video that has been circulating widely on social media.
The decision followed public outrage after the footage surfaced online, drawing attention to the alleged mistreatment of a fellow student within the school premises.
In an official statement dated March 13, the school confirmed that it had reviewed the video and acknowledged the seriousness of the incident. According to the statement, the institution was aware of the footage showing what it described as a serious case of bullying involving some of its students.
The school management said it conducted an internal review of the incident and subsequently took disciplinary action against those responsible, resulting in their expulsion.
The institution reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students and stressed that acts of bullying, violence, or intimidation would not be tolerated.
The development has sparked renewed conversations about bullying in Nigerian schools, with parents and education stakeholders calling for stricter monitoring and stronger policies to protect students.
Meanwhile, the report was first highlighted by online media platform Sahara Reporters, which brought public attention to the viral footage and the disciplinary measures taken by the school.
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Reactions of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress, to the Recent Concerns Raised by Ijaw Elders and Stakeholders on the 2026 INC National Elections.
Iduwinivoice recall that the Ijaw National Congress (INC) held a Ijaw National Day/National Elective Convention from March 5 to 7, 2026. While the programme took place smoothly at the Ijaw Ware, Yenagoa, the Elections were stalled owing to litigations filed and injunction granted High Chief (Hon.) Macdonald Igbadiwei by the court in Portharcourt to that effect.
The Bayelsa State Government convened a meeting of Ijaw Trafitional Rulers, INC leadership, Aspirants, and other critical stakeholders a few days a go in Yenagoa.
Here is an excerpt on the reactions of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of Ijaw National Congress, to the Recent Concerns Raised by Ijaw Elders and Stakeholders on the 2026 INC National Elections.
As the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), I welcome this opportunity to address the concerns raised by our respected elders and stakeholders. Their voice is vital, and I share their commitment to resolving the current situation through a process that is fair, transparent, and firmly rooted in our constitution. The path forward requires us to balance our adherence to the rule of law with the imperative of unity for the Ijaw nation.
My detailed thoughts on the three issues you raised are as follows:
1. Response to the Coalition’s Statement and the Governor’s Mediation
I hold the coalition of Ijaw leaders, elders, and stakeholders in the highest esteem. Their call for all parties to respect constitutional provisions is not just welcome; it is the only viable foundation for a lasting resolution. The INC is a creation of its constitution, and that document must remain our guiding light and the ultimate authority in all our affairs .
Regarding the intervention of the Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, I see it as a positive and necessary step. As I have consistently maintained, the initial disqualification of some aspirants was based on a strict reading of our constitution’s eligibility clauses, which include requirements for membership tenure and financial dues . However, the decision by the Justice F.F. Tabai-led Electoral Committee (ELECO) to reverse that position (based on the candidates substantive compliance with the relevant provisions of the INC Constitution), and the subsequent court injunction that halted the March 7 election, created a complex situation .
The Governor’s mediation is a welcome exercise of elder statesmanship. It provides a platform for all parties—the INC leadership, the ELECO, the aggrieved aspirants, and the wider stakeholders—to come together. The goal of this dialogue must be to find a path that respects the court’s authority, addresses the grievances raised, and allows for an electoral process that is credible, inclusive, and beyond reproach. The coalition’s warning that weakening the INC constitution could diminish our authority to represent the Ijaw people is a point I take very seriously .
2. Advice to the Aggrieved Persons
To our brothers and sisters who feel aggrieved by the process, I say this: your passion for the Ijaw nation is not in question, and your desire to serve is commendable. However, the strength of a great nation or organization is not that it never has disagreements, but that it resolves them through principled institutions .
My advice to you is threefold:
· Embrace the Mediation Process: Fully engage in the dialogue facilitated by the Governor and other respected elders. This is the fastest and most constructive way to have your concerns heard and addressed in a holistic manner.
· Pursue Unity Over Victory: The ultimate prize is not any single office, but a united and strong INC capable of fighting for the collective interests of the Ijaw people. A fractured house cannot effectively advocate for resource control, self-determination, or the development of our land. The objective must be correction, not confrontation .
· Uphold the Constitution: As you seek redress, continue to anchor your arguments on the provisions of our constitution. It is our common ground, not a weapon to be wielded by one side against another.
3. Ensuring a Cohesive and United INC
My primary mandate has always been the unity and stability of the INC . A rancour-free INC is not just an aspiration; it is essential for the survival and progress of the Ijaw nation. To ensure this, I am committed to the following:
· Strengthening Internal Processes: We will work with the ELECO and all stakeholders emerging from the mediation to ensure that the eventual electoral process is transparent, fair, and enjoys the buy-in of all. This includes addressing concerns about delegate selection and the use of technology, as previously raised by members .
· Upholding the Rule of Law: We must respect the decisions of our courts and the provisions of our constitution, even as we seek to improve them through proper channels. As I have noted before, we cannot overlook infractions like the forgery of signatures for the sake of expediency, as that undermines the very fabric of our organization .
· Fostering Dialogue and Inclusivity: The INC belongs to all Ijaws—from the traditional rulers and elders to the youths and women. We will continue to engage with all these groups, as I have done in the past with bodies like the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), to ensure we speak with one voice . The coalition’s call for traditional rulers and opinion leaders to act as “guardians of fairness, wisdom, and institutional balance” is a role we fully endorse and will rely upon .
The challenges we face are surmountable if we approach them with wisdom, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the Ijaw cause. Let us use this moment not to divide ourselves, but to build a stronger, more resilient institution that can truly represent the interests of our people.
By Charity Ebi
Prominent Niger Delta groups, including the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) and the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), have passed a vote of confidence on Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), as he marks two years in office.
The stakeholders, in separate statements, commended Otuaro’s leadership, describing his tenure as transformative and reform-driven. They noted that within two years, the PAP boss has overseen institutional restructuring, expanded foreign scholarship opportunities, strengthened vocational and marine training programmes, and deepened youth empowerment initiatives across the Niger Delta.
According to the groups, the reinstatement of foreign scholarship schemes and technical training programmes has benefited more than 2,000 students and former agitators, boosting human capital development in the region. They also credited Otuaro with fostering improved collaboration between the amnesty office, community leaders and critical stakeholders, thereby strengthening trust in the programme.
The South-South Traditional Council and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, also joined in applauding the PAP Administrator. They described him as a “game-changer” and a “bridge-builder” whose accountability and peacebuilding efforts have enhanced stability in the region.
Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Otuaro has repeatedly emphasized transparency, structured reforms and sustainable reintegration of beneficiaries. Observers say his administration’s focus on education, skills acquisition and stakeholder engagement reflects a shift toward long-term development rather than short-term interventions.
The endorsing groups urged Niger Delta leaders to sustain their support for the programme, expressing confidence that continued reforms under Otuaro would further consolidate peace and development in the oil-rich region.