By Ezinne

‎There is a wave of relief for motorists across the country as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has officially reduced the pump price of petrol at its retail outlets. This significant downward adjustment, effective Monday, March 30, and Tuesday, March 31, 2026, follows a similar price cut by the Dangote Refinery earlier last week.

‎In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, NNPCL filling stations have adjusted their prices from ₦1,361 per litre down to ₦1,295, representing a ₦66 to ₦71 reduction. Major independent marketers including Mobil, NIPCO, and Ardova have followed suit, with retail prices now ranging between ₦1,280 and ₦1,296 per litre, down from previous highs of nearly ₦1,400.

‎The price crash is attributed to the Dangote Refinery reducing its gantry price to ₦1,200 per litre, down from ₦1,285, in a move to stabilize the downstream sector amidst global oil market volatility. While stations in Lagos and Abuja have reflected the change, some independent outlets in more remote areas are yet to review their prices downward. The NNPCL has maintained that this adjustment is part of its commitment to ensuring energy security and making fuel more affordable as domestic refining capacity continues to expand

Opuda, Alabor Lulu Briggs to lead BoT, as Okaba Charges Board Members on Unity, Accountability

By Favour Bibaikefie

The President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), , has formally inaugurated a new Board of Trustees (BoT) for the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, charging members to uphold unity, integrity, and the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people.

The inauguration, held on Thursday at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, saw the emergence of as Chairman, as Vice Chairman, and as Secretary of the newly constituted board.

Addressing dignitaries, including members of the National Executive Council (NEC), the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), and other stakeholders, Okaba described the inauguration as a historic moment that goes beyond constitutional compliance to entrusting the future of the Ijaw nation into capable hands.

“This event is not merely ceremonial; it is a deliberate entrustment of our people’s aspirations to men of proven integrity, wisdom, and commitment,” he stated.

The INC President noted that the newly inaugurated trustees represent a bridge between the past, present, and future of the Ijaw nation, emphasizing their role as custodians of the organisation’s ideals and strategic direction.

Okaba reiterated the long-standing struggles of the Ijaw people, including environmental degradation, political marginalisation, and economic injustice, stressing that the Congress would continue to advocate for resource control, true federalism, and equitable development.

Highlighting achievements of the 8th NEC under his leadership, Okaba listed several milestones, including the conduct of credible elections across INC structures, organisation of the All Ijaw Summit, international engagements with bodies such as the European Union, and the digitalisation of INC membership registration.

He further disclosed that the Congress has strengthened internal unity by affiliating 15 Ijaw groups under a common agenda, resolved longstanding disputes within the region, and expanded its global presence with the establishment of a West African chapter headquartered in Accra, Ghana.

In his charge to the Board, Okaba outlined four key responsibilities: serving as custodians of INC’s ideals, acting as a council of wisdom to guide leadership decisions, providing strategic oversight of the organisation’s resources, and fostering unity across the Ijaw nation.

“You must be our moral compass in times of shifting political interests and ensure that every action of the Congress aligns with the dignity and development of the Ijaw people,” he said.

He urged the trustees to see their roles not as ceremonial but as a call to higher service, noting that the struggle for self-determination and environmental justice remains ongoing.

Okaba also acknowledged the support of and , describing them as key pillars in advancing the Ijaw cause.

The INC President concluded by expressing confidence in the capacity of the new BoT to strengthen the Congress and reposition the Ijaw nation for greater relevance within Nigeria and beyond.

“An Ijaw nation united under the INC is an unstoppable force,” he declared.

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.