News
JUSTICE! JUSTICE! AND JUSTICE: HURIWA SUPPORTS IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
By Ben Binebai
In a resplendent manifestation of solidarity and fealty to the sacrosanct rule of law, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has valiantly thrown its weight behind the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency, championing the cause of justice and equity in the face of egregious electoral injustices. Like a beacon of hope in a tempestuous sea, HURIWA’s stance shines brightly, illuminating the path to justice and fairness for the marginalised communities.
With unbending dedication to the hallowed principles of truth, justice, and democracy, HURIWA has unequivocally condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) flagrant and illicit attempts to subvert the Supreme Court’s clear and binding judgment on the fresh delineation of electoral wards and units in the constituency. This landmark judgment, delivered on 2 December 2022, was a beacon of hope for the marginalised Ijaw and Urhobo communities, who have long suffered the pangs of historical injustices and electoral irregularities. The Supreme Court’s judgment was a masterstroke of judicial wisdom, crafted to rectify the anomalies of the past and usher in a new era of electoral justice.
HURIWA’s stance is a testament to the group’s unshakeable commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the downtrodden. By aligning itself with the grievances raised by the Ijaw and Urhobo communities, HURIWA has demonstrated its unrelenting dedication to ensuring that the voices of the marginalised are heard and their rights respected. Like a mighty river that flows ceaselessly to its destination, HURIWA’s advocacy for justice and fairness is unrelenting, unwavering, and unshakeable.
The Supreme Court’s judgment of 2 December 2022, was a landmark decision that ordered INEC to conduct a fresh delineation of all wards and polling units in Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North local government areas. This judgment was a response to long-standing complaints of fictitious wards, inequitable distribution of polling units, and gross irregularities that had tilted the balance of representation against the indigenous Ijaw and Urhobo people. The judgment was a clarion call to INEC to redeem its mandate and uphold the Constitution, and HURIWA’s support for the judgment is a testament to its commitment to justice and fairness.
HURIWA’s position is clear: INEC’s refusal to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment is not only reckless but also a dangerous signal of institutional lawlessness that undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. The group’s insistence that any voter registration or electoral process carried out in Warri without fresh delineation is null and void is a principled stance that upholds the rule of law and the Constitution. Like a rock that stands firm against the raging waves, HURIWA’s stance is unwavering, unshakeable, and unrelenting.
As good national voice, HURIWA’s efforts to hold INEC accountable and ensure justice for the Warri Federal Constituency are commendable. Their actions are a beacon of hope for the people of Warri, who have suffered historical injustices and marginalisation. By speaking truth to power and advocating for the implementation of the Supreme Court’s judgment, HURIWA is helping to promote democracy, equity, and fairness in Nigeria.
I urge INEC to take HURIWA’s concerns seriously and do the needful by enforcing justice on the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation. The people of Warri deserve fair representation, and it is imperative that their rights are respected and protected. HURIWA’s stance is a reminder that the rule of law and democracy must be upheld, and I commend their efforts in promoting justice and fairness in Nigeria.
News
GOV OBOREWORI BOOSTS TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS WITH 65 LAND CRUISERS TO STRENGTHEN GRASSROOTS PEACE
By: Divine Perezide
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, has handed over 65 brand new Toyota Land Cruisers to traditional rulers across the state in a move aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, peacebuilding, and rural security coordination.
Presenting the vehicles in Asaba, the state government said the gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the strategic role traditional institutions play in maintaining social stability, mediating communal disputes, and fostering collaboration between communities and government agencies.
The governor described traditional rulers as indispensable partners in sustaining harmony in rural areas, noting that enhanced mobility would enable quicker engagement with communities, faster response to emerging tensions, and closer cooperation with security operatives.
“This intervention is part of our people-centered leadership approach. It is a deliberate effort to build lasting peace and sustain the achievements of our MORE Agenda,” Governor Oborevwori stated, emphasizing that development thrives only in an atmosphere of peace.
Government officials explained that the vehicles would improve accessibility across difficult terrains, enable traditional leaders to attend to community matters more efficiently, and reinforce the interface between grassroots institutions and the state.
Stakeholders have commended the initiative as timely, especially as many rural communities rely heavily on traditional institutions for conflict resolution, cultural administration, and early warning mechanisms in times of tension.
With the distribution of the Land Cruisers, the Oborevwori administration says it remains committed to deepening rural engagement, strengthening local leadership structures, and advancing its peace-building framework across Delta State.
IduwiniVoice
By: Derick Peretengboro
Port Harcourt, 12 January 2026 — A Reconciliation Committee appointed by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has appealed to political actors in Rivers State to end the ongoing crisis that has deeply affected governance and public confidence in the oil-rich state.
Headed by Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, the Committee was inaugurated on 12th January 2026 to “explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end,” a crisis, the Committee noted, that “has persisted for too long.”
In a statement at the inauguration, Chief Agabi said the Committee was privileged to serve and expressed gratitude to God and PANDEF leadership, particularly Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, former Governor of Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass. The statement described Sir Diete Spiff as “a man whose commitment to the South-South and the nation as a whole has never been in doubt,” adding that “it is the sacrifices of men like him that bequeathed the States of the South-South to the people of that area.”
Highlighting the gravity of the state’s political stand-off, the Committee warned that continuing conflict could erode confidence in the political actors’ commitment to the “interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation.”
Using a local proverb to caution against self-destructive disputes, the statement urged caution: “Let the parties involved not be as the Clam and the Oyster … The fisherman picked them up, took them home and made a nice fine meal of Clam and Oyster. May it not be with Rivers State as it was with the Clam and the Oyster.”
Chief Agabi expressed optimism that the crisis could be resolved without external intervention, arguing that “the parties to this dispute are one people who began as one” and urging humility: “If they have now offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologize and to forgive. It is in forgiving that true greatness can be found.”
The Committee called for goodwill and prayer, countering the often-held view that religion has no place in politics. The statement read: “The misconception that God has no place in our politics has harmed and continues to harm the nation … Whether we are governors or ministers or legislators … it is to God that we owe our appointments and promotions.”
On the key figures involved in the crisis, Chief Agabi spoke personally of both the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, and the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Governor Fubara, saying: “The Minister … is my friend. He is my benefactor.… The mighty hand of God is upon him. That great Hand demands that he should lead this reconciliation … I trust [Governor Fubara] to respect that bond.”
The Committee also extended respect to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, praying for “a change of heart on their part” and urging them that “in forgiving the Governor whatever wrongs he has committed … they will demonstrate … restraint, … public spirit and … maturity.”
Concluding its charge, the Committee emphasized that it was not a judicial body, but an appeal for unity: “This Committee is not appointed to sit in judgment … Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one another… We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation… Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.”
By: Divine Perezide
Warri, Delta State — Residents of the Warri Federal Constituency and surrounding environment are set to witness the public presentation of a new book titled “Warri Federal Constituency Delineation: Itsekiri & the Challenge of Sustaining the Burden of Lies”, authored by M. Keme.
The event, being organized by Niger Delta Scholars on behalf of stakeholders in the constituency, is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Warri, with proceedings commencing at 11:00am.
According to the organizers, the book interrogates historical and contemporary issues surrounding the delineation of Warri Federal Constituency, with particular focus on the Itsekiri ethnic group and the socio-political narratives that have shaped representation over the years.
The public presentation will be chaired by Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), who is expected to lend scholarly insight into the relevance of the publication to ongoing debates in Niger Delta politics.
The book will be formally reviewed by noted academic Professor Benedict Binebai, providing an evaluative perspective on the text and its contributions to regional political discourse.
The organizers have issued an open invitation to scholars, political leaders, community stakeholders, and the general public to attend the presentation ceremony. Enquiries and confirmations can be directed to the official RSVP line: 08023865232.
The forthcoming launch is anticipated to spark renewed intellectual and civic engagement on constituency delineation, ethnic relations, and democratic representation in the Niger Delta.