NEWS
Itsekiri Nation Shots down Ogidigben Flow Station over INEC’s Delineation of Constituency
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
Tensions escalated in Warri South West as members of the Itsekiri community, led by prominent leaders, shot down the Ogidigben Flow Station to protest what they described as electoral injustice and manipulation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Raymond Pira, the former Deputy Leader of the Warri South West Legislative Arm, who addressed the crowd, condemned the recent delineation of Warri federal constituency by INEC.
Pira called for federal intervention, urging the government to reverse INEC’s decision and address the grievances of the Itsekiri people
According to Pira, INEC had defied a court order by proceeding with an electoral delineation process that was initially halted due to a court injunction.
He accused the commission of disregarding the rule of law, arguing that INEC believed the community lacked the resources to challenge their actions.
“We are here to protest against the injustice, widespread corruption, and unlawful actions of INEC,” Pira said. “The commission has violated a court order and continues to make decisions that undermine the rights of the Itsekiri people.”
He said the heart of the dispute lies in a controversial boundary redefinition carried out by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) some years ago.
Pira explained that the NBC’s actions had unlawfully removed communities like Ogborodo from their rightful coastal areas, placing them further inland.
Despite efforts from local leaders to petition for corrections, Pira lamented that the communities’ grievances had not been fully addressed.
Pira also pointed to what he called a “manipulation” of the electoral delineation process by INEC. He noted that while the Ijaw communities’ wards had expanded from four to ten, the Itsekiri community’s wards had been reduced.
This, Pira argued, was part of an effort to suppress the political power of the Itsekiri people. He further claimed that names like Miller, MacIver, and Dore Numa, historically are part of the Itsekiri territories, but had been wrongly incorporated into wards meant for the Ijaw community.
“In Warri South, for example, our six wards have been reduced to five while others with fewer numbers are gaining more wards,” Pira stated. “This is not just a numerical adjustment; it’s an attempt to silence us and erase our political voice.”
Victor Laju Udenju, the National Vice Chairman of the Ogborodo community, joined Pira in condemning the actions of INEC.
Udenju lamented the drastic reduction in the Itsekiri community’s wards, noting that a community that once had ten wards now only has five.
He said that this decision was part of a larger, systematic effort to eliminate the political influence of the Itsekiri people across the three Warri local government areas.
“As it stands, no Itsekiri community in these three Warri areas can produce a local government chairman or even a representative for the House of Assembly or House of Representatives,” Udenju said. “This is a deliberate attempt to marginalize our people and erase our representation in the political process.”
He added that the protest would continue until the federal government takes action, stating, “We will remain here until our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed. We will take further action if necessary.”
The protest at the Ogidigben Flow Station is the latest in a series of demonstrations by local communities in Delta State demanding fair and transparent electoral practices. The Itsekiri community is calling for a reevaluation of the delineation process to ensure that their political rights and representation are respected.
As the protest continues, the Itsekiri people said they remain steadfast in their demand for justice, urging the federal government to intervene before the situation escalates further. The community’s leaders have vowed to remain at the protest site until their concerns are addressed.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the weekend, dismissed a misleading opinion and related social media claims alleging that the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was invited to serve as “Royal Father of the Day” at the proposed foundation laying ceremony of the Ecumenical Chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Media Office of CAN in Abuja.
They said no invitation was extended to the Sultan, this was in response to the rapid spread of the claim across social media and opinion platforms, where it has drawn attention and stirred concern about possible religious tension.
CAN’s intervention seeks to correct the narrative and steady public perception before it escalates.
The statement reads in part, “We state, firmly and without equivocation, that no such invitation was extended to the Sultan by CAN. This claim is false.
“For the record, the material in question was made public by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and not from CAN. At no point did CAN release any such invitation.
“Beyond its inaccuracy, the narrative appears deliberately framed to provoke religious sensitivities and manufacture controversy where none exists. At a time when national unity requires careful stewardship, such distortions are reckless and unacceptable.
“CAN remains unwavering in its dual commitment: to uphold the integrity of Christian faith and worship, and to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among all Nigerians. These are not competing values; they are complementary responsibilities”.
The statement noted, “However, truth must never be sacrificed on the altar of sensationalism. The suggestion that the Sultan was assigned any role in the ceremonial proceedings is entirely unfounded and should be dismissed in its entirety.
“We therefore call on the media, opinion leaders, and the general public to act with responsibility: verify before amplifying, question before believing, and prioritise facts over virality.
“Let it be clearly and finally stated: the Sultan of Sokoto was not invited. The story in circulation is the handiwork of mischief makers and should be disregarded”
By David Torough, Abuja
Award-winning Nigerian journalist and security analyst, Joseph Saater Undu, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Safety Personality Award at the 13th Nigeria Safety and Security (NSAS) Awards and Lecture, scheduled to hold on April 29, 2026, in Lagos.
The honour, organised by Safety & Security Watch Magazine under the auspices of the Media Centre for Promotion of Safety Awareness, is part of activities marking the International Labour Organization’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
According to the award selection panel, Undu was chosen in recognition of his “Outstanding contributions to health, safety, security and environment,” particularly through his investigative journalism and detailed reporting on criminality and national security issues.
The organisers also commended his deep understanding of Nigeria’s security architecture and his role in promoting public safety awareness.
With over 14 years of experience in mainstream journalism, Undu has built a reputation as a leading voice in crime, defence, and anti-corruption reporting.
He has worked with major national dailies, including Champion Newspapers, Vanguard Newspapers, and Daily Independent Newspapers, before transitioning to Abuja as a senior correspondent.
Undu is a Biographer and current president of Tiv Youth Organization (TYO) Abuja Chapter. He founder of the Benue Journalists’ Forum of Nigeria.
He is also an accomplished author, with works such as Positude: The Change We Need and Giant Footprints, a biography of former Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba.
A recipient of the Golden Pen Award and an international poetry laureate, Undu has earned multiple recognitions for his contributions to media and literature.
In 2018, he was conferred with the traditional title “Ivaan I Tiv” (The Arrow of Tiv) by the Tiv Traditional Council in Lagos.
The 2026 NSAS Awards will feature lectures and discussions centered on the theme, “Promoting a Healthy Psychosocial Workplace,” with notable experts and policymakers expected to participate.
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has convened a strategic meeting with former governors of the state towards addressing the security challenges bedevilling the state.
The meeting held on Thursday at the News Government House Little Rayfield had the presence of former Governor Samuel Bitrus Atukum, former Governor Fidelis Tapgun, former Governor Joshua Dariye, former Governor Jonah David Jang and Former Governor Simon Lalong respectively.
Mutfwang maintained that the high-level engagement critically reviewed the prevailing security situation, particularly the recent violent attacks in rural communities across the state.
He noted that discussions were focused on fostering sustainable peace, strengthening unity, and promoting harmonious coexistence among all residents.
According to Governor Mutfwang, “I convened a strategic meeting with distinguished leaders and former Governors of Plateau State on Tuesday at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos. The meeting deliberated extensively on matters concerning the well-being, welfare, progress, and overall prosperity of the people of Plateau State.
“The high-level engagement critically reviewed the prevailing security situation, particularly the recent violent attacks in rural communities across the state. Discussions were focused on fostering sustainable peace, strengthening unity, and promoting harmonious coexistence among all residents.
“The leaders collectively resolved to pursue justice for all and to establish robust frameworks that reflect the enduring courage, discipline, hospitality and patriotism of the Plateau people within the Nigerian project,” he stated
The Governor reiterated that, “Emphasis was also placed on rebuilding fractured relationships and restoring trust, with the aim of reinforcing Plateau State’s longstanding identity as the Home of Peace and Prosperity,” says Mutfwang.
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